Question

Differentiate between Rhizomorph and sclerotia.

Answer 1

Hint: Rhizomorph is a root-like cluster of hyphae in certain fungi. Sclerotia is the hard-resting body of some fungi which helps them to remain dormant for a longer time.Rhizomorph and sclerotia are the hyphae modifications made by fungi.

Complete answer:
Rhizomorphs
> They are cord-like or thread-like structures made up of branched tubular filaments and have parallel hyphae. These cords look similar to the roots of the plant.
> Rhizomorphs help in the absorption of nutrients and they also translate the nutrients to the organs. > The rhizomorphs increase the ability to access the nutrients for the species.
> They are made up of a central core of elongated cells that are covered by dark melanin pigmented cells. Rhizomorphs are usually cylindrical or flat.
> Rhizomorphs are produced as a result of many bundled hyphae and their coordinated growth. They have a complex structure.
Sclerotia
> Sclerotia stores intra hyphal reserves such as polyphosphate, protein, glycogen, and lipid.
> Sclerotia produce a dense layer of hyphae and are embedded in the glucan matrix that exists outside the hyphal strand.
> Sclerotia can survive for a very long period, sometimes for several years.
> Sclerotia also have a reproductive role.
> Germination in sclerotia takes place by the development of mycelium. It can also take place through asexual spores or sexual fruit bodies.
> Sclerotia have varied sizes. Some of them are as big as a football and some are a handful of cells.

Note:
Fungi are capable of producing complex characteristics that sometimes resemble the eukaryotes.In fungi, the hyphae are aggregated during the invasive growth. Rhizomorphs are found in very few species of fungi. Sclerotia help in the survival function of the fungi.