Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

29. Fungi

Fungi

General Biology

29. Fungi

Fungi

Previous problemNext problem

3:20 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

The hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form bushy structures after making contact with the plasma membrane of a root cell. What is the function of these structures?
a. They anchor the fungus inside the root, so the association is more permanent.
b. They increase the surface area available for the transfer of nutrients.
c. They produce toxins that protect the plant cells against herbivores.
d. They break down cellulose and lignin in the plant cell wall.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in plant roots. AMF are symbiotic fungi that form mutualistic relationships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient exchange.

Recognize the structure formed by AMF hyphae. These bushy structures are known as arbuscules, which are specialized for nutrient exchange between the fungus and the plant.

Consider the function of increased surface area. Arbuscules increase the surface area within the root cells, facilitating efficient transfer of nutrients such as phosphorus from the fungus to the plant.

Evaluate the options given in the problem. Option b, which states that these structures increase the surface area available for the transfer of nutrients, aligns with the known function of arbuscules.

Conclude that the primary function of the bushy structures formed by AMF hyphae is to enhance nutrient exchange, particularly increasing the surface area for nutrient transfer.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are a type of fungi that form symbiotic relationships with the roots of most plant species. They penetrate the root cells and create structures called arbuscules, which facilitate nutrient exchange between the plant and the fungus. This mutualistic relationship enhances the plant's nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, and improves its growth and resilience.

Arbuscules

Arbuscules are highly branched, bushy structures formed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi within the root cells of plants. These structures significantly increase the surface area for nutrient exchange, allowing efficient transfer of nutrients like phosphorus from the fungus to the plant and carbohydrates from the plant to the fungus. Arbuscules are crucial for the symbiotic relationship, optimizing nutrient absorption and plant health.

Nutrient Exchange in Symbiosis

In the symbiotic relationship between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, nutrient exchange is a key process. The fungi enhance the plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, from the soil, while the plant provides the fungi with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. This exchange is vital for plant growth and development, making the symbiosis beneficial for both organisms.

Watch next

Master Fungi - 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jason

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which of the following cells or structures are associated with asexual reproduction in fungi?

a. Ascospores

b. Basidiospores

c. Zygosporangia

d. Conidiophores

1340

views

Textbook Question

After S phase, what makes up a single chromosome?

a. Two daughter chromosomes

b. A double-stranded DNA molecule

c. Two single-stranded DNA molecules

d. Two sister chromatids

2180

views

Textbook Question

The closest relatives of fungi are thought to be the

a. Animals

b. Vascular plants

c. Mosses

d. Slime molds

Progression through the cell cycle is regulated by oscillations in the concentration of which type of molecule?

a. p53, Rb, and other tumor suppressors

b. Receptor tyrosine kinases

c. Cyclins

d. Cyclin-dependent kinases

2049

views

Textbook Question

The most important adaptive advantage associated with the filamentous nature of fungal mycelia is

a. The ability to form haustoria and parasitize other organisms.

b. The potential to inhabit almost all terrestrial habitats.

c. The increased chance of contact between mating types.

d. An extensive surface area well suited for invasive growth and absorptive nutrition.

1284

views

Textbook Question

What does it mean to say that a hypha is dikaryotic?

a. Two nuclei fuse during sexual reproduction to form a zygote.

b. Two independent nuclei, derived from different individuals, are present in each cell.

c. The nucleus is diploid or polyploid — not haploid.

d. It is extremely highly branched, which increases its surface area and thus absorptive capacity.

638

views

Textbook Question

Comparisons of ribosomal RNA among many different modern species indicate that

a. There are two very divergent groups of prokaryotes

b. The Protista represents a conglomeration of very unrelated forms

c. Fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants

d. A and B are correct

e. A, B, and C are correct

756

views

Textbook Question

Identify at least two events in the cell cycle that must be completed successfully for daughter cells to share an identical complement of chromosomes.

1377

views

Show more practices

Download the Mobile app

Privacy

Do not sell my personal information

Accessibility

Patent notice

Sitemap