Mycorrhiza
Mycorrhiza
Mycorrhiza (pronunciation: /ˌmaɪkəˈraɪzə/) is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant. The term originates from the Greek words "mykes" meaning fungus and "rhiza" meaning root.
Etymology
The term "Mycorrhiza" was first coined by a German researcher, A.B. Frank, in 1885. It is derived from the Greek words "mykes" or "mykēs" meaning fungus and "rhiza" meaning root. Thus, the term literally translates to "fungus root", signifying the symbiotic relationship between a plant and a fungus.
Types of Mycorrhiza
There are mainly two types of mycorrhiza: Ectomycorrhiza and Endomycorrhiza. Ectomycorrhiza forms a sheath around the root of the plant, while Endomycorrhiza penetrates the cortical cells of the roots.
Function
Mycorrhizas play a crucial role in nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, and also provide resistance to certain plant diseases. They enhance the water and nutrient absorption capabilities of the plant roots through the extensive fungal mycelium.
Related Terms
- Mycelium: The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments.
- Symbiosis: A close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.
- Phosphorus: A chemical element that plants require for growth and is often in short supply, hence the importance of mycorrhizas in plant nutrition.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mycorrhiza
- Wikipedia's article - Mycorrhiza
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