This is a freeze-fracture preparation of a root of a spruce with ecto-mycorrhiza. The fungus hyphae (bright grey) grow between the cells of the root cortex, but do not penetrate into the cells. They form a network (Hartig net) within the extracellular spaces that facilitates the exchange of nutrients between the fungus and the plant. Within the plant cells (grey) one can see phenol droplets (yellow/orange). The mycorrhizal fungi have a much greater ability to obtain minerals and water from the soil than plants. Often the water, nitrogen and phosphate supply of the plants is improved if a fungus is involved. Furthermore, mycorrhization offers some protection against root pathogens and above-ground pests, such as aphids or harmful fungal infections. In addition, it also increases the dry resistance of plants, which can be particularly beneficial in extreme locations. Scanning Electron Microscope, magnification 1000: 1 (at 15cm image width)\n | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / EYE OF SCIENCE |
Bildgröße: | 6400 px × 6526 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: |
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