Endomycorrhizal fungi
Introduction
Endomycorrhizal fungi (more commonly referred to as endomycorrhizae) is one of the major types of known mycorrhizae which differs from the another type of mycorrhizae, ectomycorrhizae, in structure. Unlike ectomycorrhizae which form a system of hyphae that grow around the cells of the root, the hyphae of the endomycorrhizae not only grow inside the root of the plant but penetrate the root cell walls and become enclosed in the cell membrane as well (1). This makes for a more invasive symbiotic relationship between the fungi and the plant. The penetrating hyphae create a greater contact surface area between the hyphae of the fungi and the plant. This heightened contact facilitates a greater transfer of nutrients between the two. Endomycorrhizae have further been classified into five major groups: arbuscular, ericoid, arbutoid, monotropoid, and orchid mycorrhizae (2).
Arbuscular Mycorrhizae
Endomycorrhizae have several functions, the major one being nutrient acquisition. Endomycorrhizae facilitate the exchange of nutrients between the host plant and the soil. Mycorrhizae aid in the uptake of water, inorganic phosphorus, mineral or organic nitrogen, and amino acids. In exchange for the mycorrhizae providing all of these nutrients, the plant in turn provides the mycorrhizae with carbon (1). This relationship benefits both organisms immensely. The mycorrhizae greatly increase the surface area of the plant’s root system which is hugely beneficial in areas where drought is common. This is also beneficial in areas where the soil is nutrient-poor. The larger surface area gives those plants an advantage over plants lacking this symbiotic relationship allowing plants with mycorrhizal relationships to out-compete for nutrients. Mycorrhizae also offer the roots of the plant a little more protection (3).
Ericoid Mycorrhizae
Ericoid mycorrhizae are found in inhospitable environments, particularly acidic environments (5). The fungi involved in this symbiotic relationship are Ascomycota (6). Despite the harsh conditions the mycorrhizae are still able to take up nitrogen and phosphorous for the host plant. The mycorrhizae also helps to regulate the acquisition of iron, manganese and aluminium ions which are often present in highly available forms in acidic soils (6). Ericoid mycorrhizae differ not only in where they are found but also in structure. Instead of forming arbuscules the fungi forms hyphal coils in the exterior cells of the fine root hairs of plants in the family Ericaceae (4). Root volume can be up to eighty percent fungal tissue and it is through these coils that nutrient exchange occurs. These fungi can actually be found free-living in the soil but the symbiotic relationship between the fungi and plant is thought to be more beneficial to both species (6).
Function of Endomycorrhizal fungi
Endomycorrhizae have several functions, the major one being nutrient acquisition. Endomycorrhizae facilitate the exchange of nutrients between the host plant and the soil. Mycorrhizae aid in the uptake of water, inorganic phosphorus, mineral or organic nitrogen, and amino acids. In exchange for the mycorrhizae providing all of these nutrients, the plant in turn provides the mycorrhizae with carbon. This relationship benefits both organisms immensely. The mycorrhizae greatly increase the surface area of the plant’s root system which is hugely beneficial in areas where drought is common. This is also beneficial in areas where the soil is nutrient-poor. The larger surface area gives those plants an advantage over plants lacking this symbiotic relationship allowing plants with mycorrhizal relationships to out-compete for nutrients. Mycorrhizae also offer the roots of the plant a little more protection (1).
Conclusion
Overall text length should be at least 1,000 words (before counting references), with at least 2 images. Include at least 5 references under Reference section.
References
(2) [Peterson, R. L.; Massicotte, H. B. & Melville, L. H. (2004). Mycorrhizas: anatomy and cell biology. National Research Council Research Press. ISBN 978-0-660-19087-7.]
(4) Davies, F. "Dr. Davies Research Page." Dr. Davies Research Page. Texas A&M University, n.d.
(5) [Smith SE & Read DJ (2008) Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Academic press, London.]
Edited by Alexandra Schaal, student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116 Information in Living Systems, 2013, Kenyon College.
