Arbuscular Mycorrhizae

Definition

Arbuscular mycorrhizae are a type of symbiotic association between plant roots and certain fungi, specifically belonging to the Glomeromycota phylum. This relationship enhances mineral uptake and transport, particularly phosphorus, while providing the fungi with carbohydrates produced by the plant through photosynthesis. The intricate structures formed within root cells, called arbuscules, facilitate efficient nutrient exchange, playing a crucial role in plant nutrition and soil health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arbuscular mycorrhizae can increase phosphorus uptake in plants by extending the fungal hyphae into the soil, reaching nutrients that roots alone cannot access.
2. About 80% of terrestrial plants form arbuscular mycorrhizal relationships, showcasing their significance in plant ecology and nutrient acquisition.
3. The association helps improve plant resistance to stressors like drought by enhancing root development and water absorption.
4. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can also aid in protecting plants from pathogens by improving overall plant health and vigor.
5. These fungi contribute to soil structure by helping bind soil particles together, leading to improved aeration and water retention in the soil.

Review Questions

• How do arbuscular mycorrhizae enhance mineral uptake and transport in plants?
  • Arbuscular mycorrhizae enhance mineral uptake by forming a symbiotic relationship with plant roots that extends the fungal hyphae into the soil. This increases the surface area for nutrient absorption, allowing plants to access essential minerals like phosphorus that may be out of reach for their roots alone. The arbuscules formed within root cells create a site for efficient nutrient exchange, benefiting both the plant and the fungi involved.
• What are some ecological benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal associations for plants in their natural environments?
  • Arbuscular mycorrhizal associations provide several ecological benefits for plants. They significantly enhance nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, improving overall plant growth. Additionally, these relationships increase a plant's resilience to environmental stresses like drought and disease by promoting healthier root systems and improving soil structure. This contributes to greater biodiversity within ecosystems as healthier plants can support a wider range of organisms.
• Evaluate the role of arbuscular mycorrhizae in sustainable agricultural practices and their impact on crop productivity.
  • Arbuscular mycorrhizae play a vital role in sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing nutrient availability and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Their ability to improve phosphorus uptake can lead to increased crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts associated with fertilizer runoff. Moreover, these fungi help build soil structure and improve water retention, promoting healthier soils that are crucial for long-term agricultural productivity. By fostering these beneficial relationships, farmers can achieve more sustainable practices that support both crop health and environmental integrity.

Related terms

Endomycorrhizae: A category of mycorrhizal fungi that penetrate the plant root cells, forming structures such as arbuscules and vesicles to enhance nutrient exchange.

Phosphorus Uptake: The process by which plants absorb phosphorus from the soil, often enhanced by mycorrhizal associations that increase the surface area for absorption.

Soil Microbiome: The community of microorganisms in the soil, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, which play a vital role in nutrient cycling and plant health.