Final answer:
In a mycorrhizal association, the fungus receives sugars and nutrients from the plant while helping the plant absorb water and minerals from the soil.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a mycorrhizal association, the fungus and the plant benefit each other. The fungus helps the plant by channeling water and minerals from the soil into the plant through its extensive network of hyphae. In exchange, the plant provides the fungus with sugars and other nutrients.
This mutualistic relationship allows the plant to obtain essential nutrients, especially phosphate and other minerals, from the soil. The fungus, on the other hand, receives sugars and carbohydrates from the plant, providing it with a source of energy for its metabolic processes.
The mycorrhizal association also helps increase the surface area of the plant's root system, allowing for better nutrient absorption. Additionally, the fungi in mycorrhizae can produce enzymes that mobilize mineral elements, further benefiting both the plant and the fungus.