Mycorrhiza is a resource-based mutualism between a fungus and a plant root. Fungal hyphae extend far beyond the root depletion zone and efficiently acquire phosphorus, nitrogen, micronutrients, and water from a larger soil volume. These resources are transferred to the plant, while the fungus receives photosynthetically fixed carbon, mainly sugars and lipids. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enter root cortical cells and form branched arbuscules for exchange; ectomycorrhizal fungi form a mantle and Hartig net around root cells. The association may also improve stress tolerance or pathogen resistan
Ref:
Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, Begon et al., 5th Ed., Ch. 8-13