[Campbell Biology P.867] Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes arbuscul... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes arbuscular mycorrhizae AM from ectomycorrhizae EM ?

  • A: AM form a mantle around the root, whereas EM do not.
  • B: EM hyphae penetrate the host cell walls, but AM hyphae do not.
  • C: AM hyphae form arbuscules within the root cortex cells, while EM hyphae extend into the extracellular spaces between cortical cells.
  • D: EM are found in over 85% of plant species, whereas AM are less common.

Explanation

The text states that ectomycorrhizae form a mantle and their hyphae extend into extracellular spaces, while arbuscular mycorrhizae do not form a mantle and their hyphae penetrate cell walls to form arbuscules within the root cortex cells, without piercing the plasma membrane.