

Understand the Significance of Ectomycorrhiza and Endomycorrhiza
Ectomycorrhiza and endomycorrhiza are both types of symbiotic relationships between fungi and plants, but they differ in their structure and function. In ectomycorrhiza, the fungal hyphae do not penetrate the plant root cells but form a layer around the roots. On the other hand, in endomycorrhiza, the fungal hyphae penetrate into the plant root cells, forming structures like arbuscules and vesicles. These types of mycorrhiza help plants absorb nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen more efficiently, aiding in plant growth and health. Let’s explore the differences between ectomycorrhiza and endomycorrhiza in detail.
Differences Between Ectomycorrhiza and Endomycorrhiza
Both ectomycorrhiza and endomycorrhiza play important roles in helping plants get nutrients from the soil. While ectomycorrhiza forms a protective layer around plant roots, endomycorrhiza goes deeper by entering the root cells. These differences show how each type of mycorrhiza supports plant growth in its own way.
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FAQs on Difference Between Ectomycorrhiza and Endomycorrhiza
1. What is the difference between AMF and ECM?
AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) forms a symbiotic relationship where the fungal hyphae penetrate plant root cells. ECM (Ectomycorrhizal Fungi), on the other hand, forms a sheath around the plant roots without penetrating them.
2. What is an example of Endo and Ectomycorrhiza?
An example of Endomycorrhiza is the Glomus species, which is commonly associated with many plants like tomatoes. Ectomycorrhiza examples include fungi found in conifers like pine trees.
3. What is the difference between ectomycorrhizae and arbuscular mycorrhizae?
Ectomycorrhizae do not penetrate root cells and typically form a mantle around the root, while arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMF) penetrate the root cells and form arbuscules inside.
4. What are the different types of Endomycorrhiza?
Endomycorrhiza includes types like Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), which form arbuscules inside root cells, and VAM (Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza), which also penetrates the roots but forms vesicles.
5. What is the difference between Endo and Ectomycorrhizae?
Endomycorrhizae penetrate the root cells and form structures like arbuscules, whereas ectomycorrhizae form a hyphal sheath around the root without entering the cells.
6. What is the full form of VAM?
The full form of VAM is Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, a type of endomycorrhiza where the fungal hyphae penetrate root cells and form vesicles and arbuscules.
7. What is the difference between endomycorrhizae and Arbuscular mycorrhizae?
Arbuscular mycorrhizae are a subset of endomycorrhizae that specifically form arbuscules within plant root cells, while endomycorrhizae can also include other forms like VAM.
8. Is VAM an endomycorrhiza?
Yes, VAM is a type of endomycorrhiza that forms structures like vesicles and arbuscules inside the plant root cells.
9. What is an example of a symbiotic fungi?
A common example of symbiotic fungi is the relationship between Laccaria fungi and oak trees, where the fungi help the tree absorb nutrients, and the tree provides sugars.
10. What is ECM also known as?
ECM is also known as Ectomycorrhizal Fungi, a type of fungal relationship that forms a sheath around plant roots without penetrating the cells.
11. What is the difference between ECM and PCM?
ECM (Ectomycorrhizal Fungi) forms a protective hyphal layer around the root, while PCM refers to a different type of fungi or context not related to mycorrhizal relationships.











