In mycorrhizal association, the advantage of plant is:

Question

In mycorrhizal association, the advantage of plant is:

1. A. Protection
2. B. Food
3. C. (A) and (B) both
4. D. Increased mineral absorption and diseases protection (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Increased mineral absorption and diseases protection

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Increased mineral absorption and diseases protection.

Key Points

• In a mycorrhizal association, the plant gains increased absorption of minerals — particularly phosphorus — along with protection against soil-borne pathogens.
• Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic (mutualistic) association between a fungus and the roots of a higher plant.
• The fungal hyphae greatly extend the effective surface area of the root system, enabling absorption of water and immobile nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc and copper from a far larger volume of soil than roots could reach alone.
• The hyphal sheath also acts as a physical and biochemical barrier against root pathogens, and improves the plant's drought tolerance.
• In return, the fungus receives carbohydrates manufactured by the plant through photosynthesis.
• The two principal types are ectomycorrhiza, where the fungus forms a sheath around the root without penetrating cells, and endomycorrhiza (VAM — vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza), where hyphae penetrate the root cortical cells.

Exam Tip

• classic examples of mutualism include lichens (algae + fungi) and the Rhizobium–legume association.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

माइकोराइजा संबंध में, पौधे का लाभ है:

1. A. सुरक्षा
2. B. भोजन
3. C. (A) और (B) दोनों
4. D. खनिजों का बढ़ा हुआ अवशोषण और रोगों से सुरक्षा