Question

An example of endomycorrhizal fungi is
A. Amanita
B. Glomus
C. Agaricus
D. Boletus

Answer 1

Hint: The word fungi refers to eukaryotic organisms which include microorganisms like yeast and mould. Fungi do not produce their own food. Therefore, they are called heterotrophs. The fungi which have a symbiotic relationship with the plant are known as mycorrhiza.

Complete answer: The unicellular microorganisms such as yeast, mould, and mushroom are fungus. Fungus belongs to the group of eukaryotic organisms. They do not regulate the function of photosynthesis and hence cannot produce their own food. Therefore, they are called heterotrophs. The characteristic feature of microorganisms belonging to kingdom fungi contains chitin in their cell wall. This makes them different from plants and animals. Hence, they are grouped as a different kingdom called Fungi. The term mycorrhiza stands for the mutual association of the fungus with the plant. They are of two types: ectomycorrhizal fungi and endomycorrhizal fungi. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are responsible for exchange mechanisms outside of the root cells and endomycorrhizal fungi are responsible for the mechanism inside of the cell. In endomycorrhizal fungi, the part of fungi such as hyphae or thread-like structure actually penetrates into the soil for the benefit of the plant. Some of the examples of endomycorrhizal fungi are Glomus, Ericoid, etc. Some of the examples of ectomycorrhiza fungi are Basidiomycota, Amanita and Boletus.
Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Note: A fungus plays an important role in the decomposition of the organic matter. It also plays a vital role in the nutrient cycle and exchange in the environment. Endomycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with almost 80% of plant families.