[Campbell Biology P.866] Besides increasing the surface area for water uptake and supplying ... | Practice Question

Besides increasing the surface area for water uptake and supplying phosphorus and other minerals, what additional benefits do mycorrhizal fungi provide to their host plants, according to the text?

  • A: Directly providing fixed nitrogen and producing chlorophyll.
  • B: Secreting growth factors that stimulate root growth and branching, and antibiotics that protect against pathogens.
  • C: Forming root hairs to enhance nutrient absorption and protecting against excessive water loss.
  • D: Enabling the plant to grow in anaerobic conditions and attracting pollinators.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that 'The fungi of mycorrhizae also secrete growth factors that stimulate roots to grow and branch, as well as antibiotics that help protect the plant from soil pathogens.'