How is the mycorrhizal association helpful in absorption of water and minerals in plants?
Explanation Roots of the plants are responsible for absorption of the water and minerals from the soil and most of this transport is through diffusion, osmosis, or a method that depends upon the available surface area for absorption. Hence, more the surface area of the roots, more will be the uptake of water and minerals from the soil. Thus, to increase the absorption capacity of the roots, a symbiotic association is formed with a fungus known as mycorrhiza. In this, the network of fungus filaments known as hyphae penetrates the root cells. Hyphae have a larger surface area than roots and thus provide a large amount of water and mineral ions to the roots and in turn, the plant provides the fungus with organic molecules like sugars.This dependence can be so critically important for some plants that they can’t even germinate in the absence of mycorrhiza. Example- Pinus. Final Answer Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between the root system of plants and the hyphae of the fungus. Hyphae have a larger surface area and thus increase the amount of water and mineral ions that can be absorbed and available to the plants. This association can become obligate in some plants like in Pinus the seeds don't germinate if mycorrhiza is absent.
