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Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and plant roots that benefits both parties through nutrient exchange. The relationship can vary in form and effect, and there are three main classifications: endomycorrhiza, ectomycorrhiza, and ericoid mycorrhiza. The response of the plant depends on the nutrients needed by both parties.
The term mycorrhiza refers to a symbiotic relationship that can occur between a fungus and the roots of a plant. This is usually a mutualistic relationship, meaning it has a positive effect on both the plant and the fungus. In some uncommon cases, however, the relationship can have mild detrimental effects on the plant and shift the balance of the relationship in favor of the fungus. In most cases of mycorrhiza, nutrients are shared between the plant and the fungus for the benefit of both parties. It is important to note that this nutrient exchange is bi-directional; both plant and fungus receive essential inorganic nutrients and minerals from each other.
Mycorrhiza can form in many different forms with different effects. Sometimes the fungus grows around and between the roots and only superficial touching and sharing can occur. In other cases, the symbiosis occurs at the cellular level and a much deeper and more detailed level of material sharing is possible. In some cases, the fungus is largely confined to the area directly around and between the plant’s roots, while in other cases, the fungus branches out and extends deeper into the soil. The types of relationships possible tend to depend on the quality of the soil and the types of fungi and plants present in a given area.
Plants can respond in different ways to mycorrhiza. In general, it is beneficial to the plant as it can help the plant grow or reproduce more abundantly. In some cases, however, it can depress plant growth. This occurs especially in cases where the fungus is completely dependent on the plant for some type of nutrient. The response of the plant depends mainly on the nutrients needed by the plant and the fungus; significant overlap can lead to one of the two lacking the nutrients it needs to thrive.
There are three main classifications for mycorrhiza. Endomycorrhiza is a broad class that generally describes a relationship in which parts of the fungal cells penetrate the cell membranes of some plant cells. In ectomycorrhiza, the fungal cells form a structure that looks like a web at the tips of the plant’s roots. Ericoid mycorrhiza, the third major classification for mycorrhiza, describes a relationship in which fungal cells coil in and around each other’s cell layer in the plant root. Typically, the fungi involved in ericoid mycorrhiza do not extend much into the surrounding soil.
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