Signaling and nutrient transfer mechanisms in the mycorrhizal symbiosis
Nitrogen and Phosphorus transport and transfer
Carbohydrate transport and transfer
Role of plant defenses in mycorrhizal signaling
Communication and discrimination during mycorrhizal synthesis
Terms
Introduction
The mycorrhizal symbiosis is an intimate association between fungi and the roots (or rhizoids) of most groups of plants. This association in most cases is an obligate mutualism; photosynthetically derived carbon from the autotrophic symbiont is provided to the fungus in exchange for enhanced acquisition of mineral nutrients and water, and protection from pathogens. A phylogenetically diverse range of both plants and fungi can form mycorrhizal symbioses, and the ancestral taxa of modern day mycorrhizal fungi most likely facilitated the invasion of land by plants.Mycorrhizas are classified into five different categories delineated by the interacting organisms and the mycorrhizal morphology. These are:
- Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae
- Ectomycorrhizae
- Ectendomycorrhizae
- Ericoid mycorrhizae
- Arbutoid mycorrhizae
- Monotropoid mycorrhizae
- orchid mycorrhizae