Through mycorrhization, which nutrients does the plant mainly obtain?
ANitrate, along with sodium and chlorine
BPhosphate, along with zinc and copper
CNitrate, along with calcium and boron
DPhosphate, along with sodium and boron
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Phosphate, along with zinc and copper
1. Fungi form symbiotic associations called mycorrhizae with plant roots and become integrated into the root structure.
2. Through this association the plant obtains mainly phosphate, together with other minerals such as zinc and copper.
3. The fungus in return obtains nutrients such as sugars from the plant root.
4. Fungal hyphae are narrow enough to grow into small soil pores and reach phosphorus that would otherwise be unavailable.
5. Nitrate acquisition is the business of nitrogen fixation rather than mycorrhization, so options naming it point to the wrong partnership.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 31 "Soil and Plant Nutrition", section 31.3 Nutritional Adaptations of Plants_
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