What are mycorrhiza?

Answer 1

Mycorrhizae are mutualistic associations of plant roots and fungi.The anatomy of this symbiosis varies, and depends on the type of fungus.The extensions of the fungal mycelium from the mycorrhizae greatly increases the absorptive surface of the plant roots.The fungus provides minerals from the soil for the plant, and the plant provides organic nutrients. Mycorrhizae are enormously important in natural ecosystems and in agriculture. Almost all vascular plants have mycorrhizae and the Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Zygomycota(these are types of fungi) all have members that form mycorrhizae. The fungi in these permanent associations periodically form fruiting bodies for sexual reproduction.Plant growth without mycorrhizaeis often stunted.

Answer 2

Simply, a network of fungus that lives symbiotically with a plant to aid the extraction of essential elements from soil and minerals. Huge role in weathering of minerals through secretion of organic acids, chelating compounds and siderophores (molecules which snatch iron from minerals).

Answer 3

mutualistic

relationship between a plant or fungi

Answer 4

Mycorrhiza(pl., mycorrizae) Symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant root.