Question

In plant mycorrhizal fungi association, what is the most appropriate exchange between two organisms or partners?

• A. Plant provides carbon to fungi and in return gets minerals
• B. Fungi provides protein to plant and in return gets water
• C. Plant provides minerals to fungi and in return gets carbon
• D. Plant and fungi do not exchange anything

Hint:

Remember: Mycorrhizal fungi expand the root absorption zone, helping plants access minerals, while they rely on plants for energy in the form of carbon compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the symbiotic nature of mycorrhizae
Mycorrhizal associations are mutualistic relationships between fungi and plant roots. Both organisms benefit from the association.

Step 2: Role of fungi in the association
Fungi enhance the absorption of mineral nutrients (especially phosphorus and nitrogen) from the soil and transfer them to the plant roots.

Step 3: Role of the plant in the association
The plant, in turn, provides the fungi with carbohydrates (carbon sources) such as glucose and sucrose, derived from photosynthesis.

Step 4: Evaluate the options
Option (1): Correctly describes the mutual exchange — carbon from the plant and minerals from the fungi.
Option (2): Incorrect — fungi do not provide protein.
Option (3): Incorrect — reverses the correct flow.
Option (4): Incorrect — exchange is central to the symbiosis.