Question

Pinus seed cannot germinate and be established without fungal association. This is because
(a) Its embryo is immature
(b) It has an obligate association with mycorrhizae
(c) It has a very hard seed coat
(d) Its seed contains inhibitors that present germination

Answer 1

Hint: Pinus trees have long roots that intake large amounts of water and minerals from the soil. The seedlings of the Pinus trees are very hard due to the presence of a seed coat. Moreover, the mycorrhizal takes the responsibility of protecting it. However, it is a fact that these plants have roots if the Pinus trees will be able to grab more minerals and water from the groundwater.

Complete answer:
- When the Pinus tree comes into association with the fungal bodies then the grabbing capability of the roots of the Pinus tree gradually increases.
- Thus, the water absorption that takes place because of the Pinus tree roots that have fungal bodies on it helps in widening the surface area for the reaction to happen.
- Now, this particular action provides enough food for the fungus that is living on the Pinus tree. Also, there is an advantage of this process occurring between the fungal bodies and the Pinus tree.
- When the fungal bodies live on the roots of the Pinus tree, they take care of the seeds of the Pinus tree. The seedlings of the Pinus tree will be protected from the diseases that take birth from the soil.
- Therefore, keeping in view of all these parameters and respective problems and advantages we can conclude that the mycorrhizal association is very important, and in fact, it plays a significant role in the germination of the Pinus seeds.
- Thus, the right answer for the above-stated question is, it has an obligate association with mycorrhizal.
- The embryo will never become immature because of the fungal association. The hard seed coat will not be affected due to the fungal obligation. The fungal obligation has nothing to do with the inhibitors of the seeds. They are completely irrelevant.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: The mycorrhizal type of fungus plays a crucial role in the germination of the Pinus trees. Here, the mycorrhizal is nothing but a fusion between a plant and fungus. The plant gives sugars to the fungus. Later, the fungus provides the water and the required minerals to the plant for further photosynthesis process.