[Campbell Biology P.866] Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between e... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between ectomycorrhizae and arbuscular mycorrhizae?

  • A: Ectomycorrhizae penetrate root cells, while arbuscular mycorrhizae form a dense sheath over the root surface.
  • B: Arbuscular mycorrhizae typically form root hairs, whereas ectomycorrhizae do not.
  • C: Ectomycorrhizae are characteristic of woody plants like pine and oak, and their hyphae do not penetrate host root cells.
  • D: Arbuscular mycorrhizae are also known as endomycorrhizae and form a mantle over the root surface.

Explanation

Ectomycorrhizae form a dense sheath over the root surface and their hyphae do not penetrate root cells, instead forming a network in the apoplast. They are common in woody plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizae endomycorrhizae are embedded within the root and penetrate between epidermal cells and into the root cortex, digesting cell walls but not forming a mantle.