The role of mycorrhizae in facilitating the uptake of water and inorganic ions by plants
Mycorrhizae are fungi that grow into and around plant roots. They massively increase the surface area available for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
Real World
Over 90% of land plants form mycorrhizal partnerships — pine trees in Scotland's Caledonian Forest rely on ectomycorrhizal fungi to survive in nutrient-poor acidic soils where roots alone would fail.
Exam Focus
State the relationship is mutualistic: fungus gains organic molecules (sugars), plant gains increased mineral ion and water uptake.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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