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Multiple Choice
Mycorrhizal fungi are _______.
A
parasitic worms that infect animals
B
unicellular algae that perform photosynthesis
C
bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen
D
symbiotic organisms that form associations with plant roots
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'mycorrhizal fungi' by breaking it down: 'myco-' refers to fungi, and '-rhizal' refers to roots, indicating a relationship between fungi and plant roots.
Recall the concept of symbiosis in biology, which is a mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms. Mycorrhizal fungi form such relationships with plant roots.
Learn the role of mycorrhizal fungi: they help plants absorb water and nutrients (like phosphorus) from the soil, while the plants provide the fungi with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis.
Eliminate incorrect options: parasitic worms infect animals, unicellular algae perform photosynthesis, and bacteria fix nitrogen. None of these describe mycorrhizal fungi.
Conclude that mycorrhizal fungi are symbiotic organisms that form associations with plant roots, as this matches their biological role and definition.