Question 1

What is a mycorrhizal fungus?

Accepted Answer

A mycorrhizal fungus is a type of fungus that lives in the soil and helps plants grow by connecting to their roots.

Question 2

How do mycorrhizal fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

They help plants get more water and nutrients from the soil by forming a network around the roots.

Question 3

What do mycorrhizal fungi get from the plants?

Accepted Answer

They get food, in the form of sugars, from the plants. The plants make these sugars during photosynthesis.

Question 4

Can all plants form partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Most plants can form partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi, but not all. Some plants can grow without them.

Question 5

Do mycorrhizal fungi harm plants?

Accepted Answer

No, they usually don’t harm plants. They have a friendly relationship where both help each other.

Question 6

Can mycorrhizal fungi help plants grow in poor soil?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they help plants grow in poor soil by reaching far to find food and water that roots can't reach.

Question 7

Where do mycorrhizal fungi live?

Accepted Answer

They live in the soil, mostly near plant roots. They can be found in many places around the world.

Question 8

Are mycorrhizal fungi visible to the naked eye?

Accepted Answer

No, they are usually too small to see without a microscope. They live mostly underground.

Question 9

How do mycorrhizal fungi spread?

Accepted Answer

They spread through tiny spores that travel in the wind or water to find new places to grow.

Question 10

Do mycorrhizal fungi help only trees?

Accepted Answer

No, they can help many kinds of plants, not just trees. This includes grasses, flowers, and vegetables too.

Question 11

Can people benefit from mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, people benefit because healthier plants mean more food for us to eat and healthier ecosystems.

Question 12

What happens to plants without mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plants without them might not grow as well because roots alone can’t always get all the nutrients they need.

Question 13

Can mycorrhizal fungi help plants during droughts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can help plants survive during droughts by improving water uptake from the soil.

Question 14

Why are mycorrhizal fungi important for the environment?

Accepted Answer

They help keep the soil healthy, support plant growth, and help store carbon, which is good for the planet.

Question 15

Do farmers use mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some farmers use them to help crops grow better and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

Question 16

Are there different types of mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are many different types, each helping different kinds of plants in various ways.

Question 17

How do mycorrhizal fungi communicate with plants?

Accepted Answer

They communicate using chemical signals. This helps them form connections with plant roots.

Question 18

Is it easy for a new plant to find mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once planted, many fungi in the soil will find the plant’s roots and start to form connections.

Question 19

Do mycorrhizal fungi have other benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can also protect plants from harmful diseases by keeping them strong and healthy.

Question 20

Can mycorrhizal fungi be harmed by pollution?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pollution can harm them by damaging the soil where they live. Clean soil is important for their health.

The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi: Synergy in Plant Life - 20 FAQs Explained Simply