[Campbell Biology P.867] In arbuscular mycorrhizal associations, how does the fungal hypha i... | Practice Question

In arbuscular mycorrhizal associations, how does the fungal hypha interact with the host plant cell's plasma membrane?

  • A: The hypha directly pierces and integrates with the plasma membrane.
  • B: The hypha causes an invagination of the plasma membrane, forming a tube where the arbuscule develops.
  • C: The hypha remains entirely outside the host cell, interacting only with the cell wall.
  • D: The host cell's plasma membrane degrades to allow direct contact with the hypha.

Explanation

The text explains that the fungal hypha grows into a tube formed by invagination of the root cell's membrane, which is explicitly compared to 'poking a finger gently into a balloon without popping it.' This ensures the plasma membrane remains intact while allowing for close contact.