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Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between fungi and the roots of higher plants. Fungi may also live symbiotically with algae, forming lichens.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Viruses Viroids Prions and Lichens
Mycorrhizae join fungal hyphae with plant roots in a reciprocal exchange. The fungus expands the effective absorptive surface, improving acquisition of phosphorus, nitrogen, micronutrients, and water; it can also enhance pathogen resistance and drought tolerance. The plant supplies photosynthetically fixed carbon and lipids that fuel fungal growth. Many plants and especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi depend strongly on this association, supporting its treatment here as obligate mutualism. Dependence is not universal, because some plant-fungus pairs are facultative and benefit can shift with
Ref: Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, Begon et al., 5th Ed., Ch. 8-13
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