mycorrhizae
Fungal root partners
Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots.
The fungi colonize root tissue, extending threadlike filaments into surrounding soil to absorb water and nutrients—especially phosphorus—which they share with the host plant in exchange for sugars.
Most land plants depend on mycorrhizal relationships: Gardeners inoculate soil with mycorrhizae to help transplants establish.
Singular: mycorrhiza.
Fungal filamentous structures
- myceliumFungal filament network
- sporesAsexual reproductive bodies
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- basidiomycotaSpore-bearing fungal phylum
ascomycota · chitin · decomposer · pathogenic · truffles · mushrooms · lichen · molds
Two-way biological benefit
- interdependenceReciprocal reliance between entities
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
- commensalismNeutral host, benefiting guest
Glow-in-dark element
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
- mineralizationConversion to mineral form
Smallest plant absorbers
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- mantleCovering or wrap
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- radicleEmbryonic plant root
Following in order
- understoryForest's lower vegetation tier
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- restorationReturning something to condition
hyphae
Fungal filamentous structures
basidiomycota · ascomycota · chitin · decomposer · pathogenic · truffles · mushrooms · lichen · molds · yeasts
mutualism
Two-way biological benefit
- interdependenceReciprocal reliance between entities
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- synergyCombined effect exceeding components
phosphorus
Glow-in-dark element
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
- microbiomeBody's microbial community
mineralization · bioavailability · decomposition · micronutrients · detritus
rootlets
Smallest plant absorbers
- vesiclesSmall enclosed sacs
- mantleCovering or wrap
- absorptionProcess of taking in
succession
Following in order
- understoryForest's lower vegetation tier
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
mycorrhizaeplant diseases
Illnesses affecting vegetation
parasitism · rusts · plant disease · smuts · fungal infection