Question:

Which of the following fungi form endomycorrhizal associations with the plants

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Remember this association:
- Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM) Endomycorrhizae \(\rightarrow\) Glomeromycetes (obligate biotrophic fungi).
- Ectomycorrhizae \(\rightarrow\) Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes (forest tree symbioses).
  • Ascomycetes
  • Basidiomycetes
  • Chytrids
  • Glomeromycetes
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations formed between plant roots and soil fungi.
These associations are classified into two main types: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae, based on whether the fungal hyphae penetrate the cortical cells of the plant root.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the fungi involved in these associations:
- Endomycorrhizae: In this association, the fungal hyphae penetrate the cell walls of the root cortex, forming specialized branching structures called arbuscules and storage structures called vesicles.
These are also called Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM).
This type of mycorrhiza is formed by fungi in the phylum Glomeromycota, which contains the class Glomeromycetes (e.g., Glomus, Gigaspora).
These fungi are obligate biotrophic symbionts associated with over \(80%\) of terrestrial plant families, helping them absorb phosphorus and water.
- Ectomycorrhizae: In this association, the fungal hyphae envelop the root surface to form a sheath (mantle) and grow between the cortical cells (forming the Hartig net), but do not penetrate the cell walls.
This type is typically formed by forest trees and fungi in the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota.
- Chytrids: These are primitive, aquatic fungi that do not form mycorrhizal associations.
Therefore, Glomeromycetes are the fungi responsible for forming endomycorrhizal associations.

Step 4: Final Answer:

The fungi that form endomycorrhizae are Glomeromycetes, matching Option (D).
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