Question

Which statement about mycorrhizae is true?

1) Although mycorrhizae are very common in angiosperms, most gymnosperms do not form these associations.
2) Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between plant roots and fungi.
3) Mycorrhizae typically are commensalisms, not true mutualisms, because only the plant benefits.
4) Both a and b

Answer 1

The true statement about mycorrhizae is that they are symbiotic associations between plant roots and fungi, where both organisms benefit from the relationship by exchanging nutrients and water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about mycorrhizae that is true is: 2) Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between plant roots and fungi. Mycorrhizae involve a mutualistic relationship where the fungi, with their extensive network of hyphae and large surface area, help the plant absorb water and minerals from the soil. In return, the plant provides carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis to the fungus, thereby fueling its metabolism. This mutualism can be seen in various forms, including ectomycorrhizae, where the fungi envelop the roots, and endomycorrhizae, where the fungi grow inside the root creating structures known as arbuscules, which facilitate the metabolic exchange between the plants and fungi. Mycorrhizal associations are crucial for the nutrient uptake and overall growth of the plant, while the fungus benefits from a steady supply of nutrients from the plant.