Difference Between Ectomycorrhizae and Endomycorrhizae
Difference Between Ectomycorrhizae and Endomycorrhizae: As its name implies, ectomycorrhizae do not go very far into the cortical cells of the plant, but the later has a tendency to go farther (into the cortical cells).
Jasdeep Bhatia12 Mar, 2024
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Difference Between Ectomycorrhizae and Endomycorrhizae : Mycorrhizae are mutualistic associations between fungi and plant roots. They are ubiquitous and crucial to plant nutrition and soil health. There are two main types of mycorrhizae: ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae. Despite their similarities, these two types of mycorrhizae differ significantly in structure, function, and ecological significance. This article will explore the differences between ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae in detail.
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Definition and Overview of Ectomycorrhizae and Endomycorrhizae
Mycorrhizae are mutualistic associations between fungi and plant roots that play a crucial role in plant nutrition and soil health. There are two main types of mycorrhizae: ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae. Ectomycorrhizae are mycorrhizae found in certain tree species, such as oaks, pines, and eucalyptus. They form a mantle of fungal tissue around the plant root and extend into the soil, absorbing nutrients and water from the surrounding soil. The fungal mantle does not penetrate the root cells but forms a sheath around the root, protecting it from environmental stressors. Endomycorrhizae, conversely, is a type of mycorrhizae found in various plants, including grasses, shrubs, and many crops. They form an intercellular network of fungal hyphae within the plant root and penetrate the root cells to form a direct connection between the plant and the fungus. The fungal hyphae in endo mycorrhizae form specialised str uctures called arbuscules, which enhance nutrient exchange between the fungus and plant.Difference Between Diapause And Hibernation
Structure of Ectomycorrhizae and Endo mycorrhizae
The structure of ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae is fundamental to their function and differences. In ectomycorrhizae, the fungal mantle around the plant root comprises dense layers of fungal hyphae that extend into the soil. These hyphae absorb nutrients and water from the soil and transfer them to the plant root. The fungal mantle also protects the root from environmental stressors such as soil pathogens and water stress. This mantle is formed outside the root and does not penetrate the root cells.Difference Between Chromosome and Chromatid
The structure of endo mycorrhizae is defined by the intercellular network of fungal hyphae that penetrate the plant root. The hyphae form a direct connection with the plant cells, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and other compounds between the fungus and plant. In endo mycorrhizae, the fungal hyphae also form specialised arbuscules that enhance nutrient exchange between the fungus and plant. The arbuscules are intracellular structures, meaning they are found inside the plant cells.Difference Between Deoxyribose and Ribose
The function of Ectomycorrhizae and Endo mycorrhizae
The main function of both ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae is to provide plants with essential nutrients and water in exchange for photosynthetically-fixed carbon. However, there are some key differences in how they perform this function. Ectomycorrhizae primarily absorb nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and other essential minerals from the soil. The dense layer of fungal hyphae in the mantle surrounding the plant root is well adapted to absorb these nutrients and transfer them to the plant. The fungal mantle also protects the root from environmental stressors, such as soil pathogens and water stress, allowing the plant to grow and thrive in challenging conditions.Difference Between Centipede And Millipede
Endomycorrhizae, on the other hand, forms a direct connection with the plant root cells, allowing for the exchange of a wider range of nutrients and other compounds between the fungus and plant. The arbuscules formed by the fungal hyphae in endo mycorrhizae enhance nutrient exchange and improve the plant’s ability to absorb essential minerals. In addition to providing essential nutrients, endo mycorrhizae also improve soil structure and water-holding capacity, improving soil health. In addition to their role in plant nutrition, ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae play important roles in the carbon cycle. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon in the soil, and can also mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the soil.Difference Between Darwinism and Lamarckism
Ecological Significance of Ectomycorrhizae and Endo mycorrhizae
The ecological significance of ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae cannot be overstated. These fungal-plant relationships are critical to the health and functioning of many terrestrial ecosystems and play important roles in several ecological processes.Difference Between Cross Pollination and Self Pollination
Ectomycorrhizae are commonly found in forests and other wooded habitats and are particularly important in nutrient-poor soils. The mantle of fungal hyphae in ectomycorrhizae allows for improved absorption of essential nutrients and improved plant growth, making them key players in the success of many plant species in these habitats. Endomycorrhizae, on the other hand, is found in a wider range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. The direct connection between the fungal hyphae and plant root cells in endo mycorrhizae makes them particularly well-suited for improving the nutrient-absorbing ability of plants growing in nutrient-poor soils. This makes them critical to the success of many plant species in arid and semi-arid environments.Related Links -
Difference Between Ectomycorrhizae and Endomycorrhizae FAQs
What is the main difference between ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae?
The main difference between ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae lies in their respective ways of forming associations between fungi and plant roots. Ectomycorrhizae are a type of mycorrhizae in which the fungal hyphae form a mantle around the roots and penetrate between the cells of the root's outer layer. This outer mantle does not penetrate the cell wall, forming a sheath around the root. Endomycorrhizae, on the other hand, is a type of mycorrhizae in which the fungal hyphae penetrate the cell walls of the root and extend into the root cells, forming intricate structures called arbuscules. These structures provide a large surface area for nutrient exchange between the fungus and the plant.
Which type of mycorrhizae is more effective for absorbing essential nutrients?
Both types of mycorrhizae are effective for absorbing essential nutrients but in different ways. Ectomycorrhizae are primarily involved in absorbing essential nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, while endo mycorrhizae have a direct connection with plant root cells, improving nutrient exchange.
Which type of mycorrhizae is more commonly found in forests and wooded habitats?
Ectomycorrhizae are more commonly found in forests and other wooded habitats.
Are both types of mycorrhizae important for the carbon cycle?
Both ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae play important roles in the carbon cycle and act as carbon sinks, storing carbon in the soil.
Can both types of mycorrhizae be found in all habitats?
No, endomycorrhizae are found in a wider range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts, while ectomycorrhizae are more commonly found in forests and other wooded habitats.
Do both types of mycorrhizae contribute to improved soil health?
Both ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae contribute to improved soil health and structure. They can enhance the soil's water-holding capacity.
Are both types of mycorrhizae critical to the success of many plant species?
Yes, both ectomycorrhizae and endo mycorrhizae are critical to the success of many plant species in their respective habitats, whether it be nutrient-poor soils or arid and semi-arid environments.
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