Question 1

What are mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are special kinds of fungi that live in the soil and help plants grow. They form a partnership with plant roots, sharing nutrients and water.

Question 2

How do mycorrhizal fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

These fungi help plants by providing them with extra water and nutrients like phosphorus, which can be hard for plants to get on their own. In return, the plant gives the fungi some food.

Question 3

Why do plants need mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plants need mycorrhizal fungi because they make it easier for plants to get nutrients and water from the soil. This partnership helps plants grow stronger and healthier.

Question 4

Do all plants have mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Not all plants have mycorrhizal fungi, but a lot of them do. Most trees and many crops and garden plants can have these fungi helping them out.

Question 5

How do mycorrhizal fungi and plants find each other?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi send out tiny threads that reach into the soil to find plant roots. When they connect, they start working together as a team.

Question 6

Can mycorrhizal fungi live without plants?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi can live for a short time without plants, but they need plants to get food. Without plants, they can't survive for long.

Question 7

What do mycorrhizal fungi look like?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi look like tiny thread-like strands in the soil. They're a bit like the fuzzy mold you might see on old bread.

Question 8

Are mycorrhizal fungi important for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are very important because they help plants grow better, which in turn helps provide food and oxygen for animals and people.

Question 9

Can we see mycorrhizal fungi with our eyes?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, we can't see mycorrhizal fungi because they're so tiny and live underground. You might see their effects as healthier plants, though!

Question 10

How do farmers use mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Farmers use mycorrhizal fungi to help plants grow with less chemical fertilizers. This can make farming more natural and eco-friendly.

Question 11

Do mycorrhizal fungi harm plants in any way?

Accepted Answer

No, mycorrhizal fungi don't harm plants; they actually help them. It's a friendship where both the fungi and the plants benefit.

Question 12

Can mycorrhizal fungi help plants in dry areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can help plants survive in dry areas by capturing and sharing more water from the soil with the plants.

Question 13

Are there different types of mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are different types of mycorrhizal fungi, each forming partnerships with different kinds of plants. Some work with trees, others with flowers and crops.

Question 14

What happens if a plant doesn't have mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Without mycorrhizal fungi, plants may not grow as well because they'll have a harder time getting enough nutrients and water from the soil.

Question 15

Where can you find mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are found in lots of places all over the world, wherever plants are growing. They thrive in healthy soil.

Question 16

Do mycorrhizal fungi help with climate change?

Accepted Answer

They can help by making plants grow better, which can take more carbon dioxide out of the air. Healthy plants and soil can be good for the environment.

Question 17

How do plants benefit mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plants give mycorrhizal fungi food, like sugars, that they make through photosynthesis. This helps the fungi grow and multiply.

Question 18

Can mycorrhizal fungi be harmful to humans?

Accepted Answer

No, mycorrhizal fungi are not harmful to humans. They live in the soil and don't usually cause any problems for people.

Question 19

Can garden plants benefit from mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many garden plants can grow better and healthier with mycorrhizal fungi, just like wild plants do.

Question 20

Are mycorrhizal fungi a type of mushroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are a type of fungus, like mushrooms. However, mycorrhizal fungi are usually underground and don't always look like the mushrooms we eat.

The Science of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Relationships - 20 FAQs Explained Simply