Relationship between plants and fungi

Over millions of years, plants and fungi have co-evolved to form interactions that both mutually beneficial and, in some cases, antagonistic. One of the most well-known examples is the formation of mycorrhizae-specialized associations where fungi colonize plant roots. In these relationships, the fungi extend their hyphal networks deep into the soil, vastly increasing the surface area for water and nutrient absorption. In return, the plant supplies the fungi with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis. The mutual exchange not only bolsters (enhances) plant nutrition - especially the uptake of essential, but often scarce, minerals like phosphorus - but also enhances the overall resilience of the ecosystem.

While many fungi contribute positively to plant growth, not every fungal interaction is beneficial. Some fungi are pathogenic. The balance between mutualism and pathogenicity in fungal-plant interactions is complex and influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, soil composition, and the presence of other microorganisms.

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