Myco-heterotrophy

Myco-heterotrophy is a symbiotic relationship between certain kinds of plants and fungi, in which the plant gets all or part of its food from parasitism upon fungi rather than from photosynthesis. Saprophytic fungi, which live on decaying plant matter in the soil, are parasitized by myco-heterotrophic plants through specialized roots known as mycorrhizae.

Overview

Myco-heterotrophy is a type of parasitism in plants that involves a mutualistic relationship with fungi. The term "myco-heterotrophy" describes plants that obtain their nutrients from a host fungus that gets its nutrients from an association with a photosynthetic plant. This relationship is also known as a mycorrhizal relationship.

Types of Myco-heterotrophy

There are two types of myco-heterotrophy: full and partial. In full myco-heterotrophy, plants obtain all their nutrients from the fungi. These plants are often non-photosynthetic and rely entirely on the fungi for their carbon source. In partial myco-heterotrophy, plants obtain only part of their nutrients from the fungi and can perform photosynthesis to some extent.

Examples of Myco-heterotrophic Plants

Examples of myco-heterotrophic plants include the Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) and the Birds Nest Orchid (Neottia nidus-avis). These plants lack chlorophyll and obtain nutrients and carbon from mycorrhizal fungi that, in turn, obtain nutrients and carbon from nearby photosynthesizing trees.

See Also

• Mycorrhiza
• Parasitic plant
• Symbiosis
• Chlorophyll

References

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