Question

What major benefits do plants and mycorrhizal fungi receive from their symbiotic relationship?

a. plants receive sugars, and fungi receive nitrogen.
b. plants receive micronutrients, and fungi receive sugars.
c. plants receive macronutrients, and fungi receive micronutrients.
d. plants receive nitrogen and phosphorus, and fungi receive sugars?

Answer 1

The correct answer could be both b: 'plants receive micronutrients, and fungi receive sugars' and d: 'plants receive nitrogen and phosphorus, and fungi receive sugars'. In this mutualistic association, plants provide a relatively constant supply of carbohydrates derived through photosynthesis. The fungi are able to mobilise soil minerals that are unavailable to the roots of the plants such as phosphate, nitrate and and micronutrients such as iron.