Question 1

What are mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are tiny living things that live in the ground. They help plants by connecting to their roots and sharing food and water.

Question 2

How do mycorrhizal fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

These fungi help plants grow better by giving them water and nutrients from the soil. In return, the plants give the fungi food made from sunlight.

Question 3

Where do mycorrhizal fungi live?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi live underground near the roots of plants. They can be found in forests, gardens, and pretty much anywhere plants grow!

Question 4

Do all plants have mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Not all, but most plants have them as special friends underground. Mycorrhizal fungi help about 90% of land plants.

Question 5

Can you see mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

They are too small to see with your eyes, but we can see them with a microscope. They look like tiny threads called hyphae.

Question 6

Why are mycorrhizal fungi important to forests?

Accepted Answer

They help trees and plants in the forest stay healthy by providing nutrients and water. This helps forests grow strong and support animals too!

Question 7

How do mycorrhizal fungi find food?

Accepted Answer

They grow super-thin threads that go far into the soil to find food and water. These threads can go places that plant roots can't reach.

Question 8

Do mycorrhizal fungi make friends with soil?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Mycorrhizal fungi are really good at being friends with the soil and plants. They help keep the soil healthy and full of good stuff for plants.

Question 9

Can mycorrhizal fungi help fight pollution?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can help clean up the soil by breaking down harmful chemicals. They make bad soil better for plants and animals.

Question 10

How does a mycorrhizal fungus get inside a plant?

Accepted Answer

The fungus connects to the outside of the plant's roots and slowly grows inside to share food and water. This connection helps both the plant and the fungus.

Question 11

Do mycorrhizal fungi grow back if they are damaged?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can grow back! Just like plants regrow leaves, fungi can regrow their threads in the soil.

Question 12

Can mycorrhizal fungi live without plants?

Accepted Answer

No, they need plants to survive because they get food from them. Without plants, the fungi wouldn't have enough food to live.

Question 13

Are mycorrhizal fungi related to mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are a type of fungus just like mushrooms. While mushrooms grow above ground, mycorrhizal fungi grow underground.

Question 14

What do plants give to mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plants give the fungi sugars and other nutrients they make from sunlight. It's like a trade: food for food!

Question 15

Do mycorrhizal fungi affect our food?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they help crops grow better and can increase the food we get from plants like wheat and corn. Healthier plants mean more food for everyone!

Question 16

Can mycorrhizal fungi talk to each other?

Accepted Answer

Not like we do, but they can send chemical signals through the soil. These signals can help warn other plants about dangers like pests.

Question 17

How do mycorrhizal fungi help with water?

Accepted Answer

They help plants by absorbing water from deeper in the soil and sharing it with the plants. This helps plants stay hydrated even in dry times.

Question 18

What happens if mycorrhizal fungi disappear?

Accepted Answer

Plants might not grow as well, and the soil could become less healthy too. This would make it harder for plants and trees to survive.

Question 19

Can mycorrhizal fungi make their own food?

Accepted Answer

No, they rely on plants to give them nutrients. In return, they help plants find water and minerals in the soil.

Question 20

How do scientists study mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Scientists use special tools to look at them under a microscope and study soil samples. They discover new things about how these fungi help the earth every day!

The Fascinating World of Mycorrhizal Fungi - 20 FAQs Explained Simply