Endomycorrhiza and Ectomycorrhiza Difference
The subject-matter experts at Vedantu have tabulated the difference between ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae in a simple way so that every student will be able to understand and learn the concept. This study material on Vedantu makes it easier or students to prepare the concept for their exam. The plant kingdom is full of surprises. One of the fascinating concepts is that two plant species of different origins live together forming a symbiotic bond and help each other to survive. One such example is fungi living in the roots of various higher-order plants.
There are two different ways by which a fungal species live with a tree in their roots. If they stay outside the cortical region and do not penetrate the plant’s internal tissues, it is called as Ectomycorrhizae (singular- ectomycorrizha). When the fungal species penetrate the outer protective layer and enter the cortical region in the roots of a plant or a tree, it is called Endomycorrhizae (singular- endomycorrhiza). The terms are very closely related. Even the meaning is quite similar to each other in various aspects.
What is Mycorrhiza? How to explain Endomycorrhiza and Ectomycorrhiza?
This is a botanical term used to discuss the symbiotic behaviour of fungi and plants. To understand the concept well, one has to study the basic term of mycorrhiza first. Let us discuss what mycorrhiza stands for. It is referred to as the fungal species that finds a resort in the roots of bigger plants. In most cases, the vascular plants remain associated with these fungal species. The symbiotic relation is based on the availability of different food resources for survival. Each of the plant species take care of the gaps that the other cannot fill. It can be explained using a simple example. In mycorrhiza, the fungus provides moisture to the roots. The fungal species can easily absorb moisture from the soil and provide it to the roots of the vascular plants. The vascular plants, on the other hand, provide the essential nutrients to the fungal species associated with the roots. Both the species help each other to gather food and moisture and survive even in the harshest conditions.
When this term is elaborated, it refers to two different definitions. Ectomycorrhiza refers to the fungal species that does not penetrate inside the cortical cells of the vascular plants. Here ‘ecto’ means outside in Greek. These fungal species remain outside the cortical boundary in the roots and provide the necessary nutrients and moisture to the bigger plant. On the other hand, endomycorrhiza refers to that symbiotic relationship where the fungus enters the cortical zone of the root of a vascular plant. Here, ‘endo’ means inside in Greek. If you go through the explanations and endomycorrhizae examples thoroughly, you will now be able to understand the difference between these two terms.
The fungus enters into a root using its hyphae for penetration. In the first case, the fungal hyphae do not enter the cortical cells whereas in the second case, it enters. Ectomycorrhizae are less prevalent in nature. There are a few examples witnessed by botanists across the world. On the contrary, endomycorrhizae can be found in many places. To understand this concept, you can refer to the differences prepared by the experts of Vedantu. It will become a lot easier to clarify your doubts and make this concept very easy to understand.
Why should you refer to the study material on Endomycorrhiza and Ectomycorrhiza on Vedantu?
Vedantu is a popular online study platform for students of all classes where they can find the easiest methods to study various subjects and learn new concepts. Our subject-matter experts are highly experienced and they focus on the common problem-areas and prepare the study materials by using the simplest language that every student can understand. If you consider the concept of endomycorrhiza and ectomycorrhiza, you will find out how efficiently the experts have pointed out the differences and managed to make it clear to the students.
Every doubt will be easily clarified when you study this concept by referring to the summarized difference between these two symbiotic phenomena. The compilation is done following the standards of CBSE board so that the students can follow it and score well in the exams. Go through the examples cited for these two terms to understand the concept of the basic terminology used in the chapter. This study material on Vedantu will help you to comprehend what is ectomycorrhizal vs endomycorrhizal symbiosis with examples and develop a deeper conceptual understanding of the chapter.
FAQs on Difference Between Ectomycorrhizae and Endomycorrhizae
1. What is the primary difference between ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae?
The primary difference lies in how the fungal hyphae interact with the plant's root cells. In ectomycorrhizae, the fungal hyphae form a dense sheath around the root surface and penetrate the spaces between the cortical cells, but they do not enter the cells themselves. In contrast, in endomycorrhizae, the hyphae penetrate directly into the root's cortical cells, forming specialized structures for nutrient exchange.
2. What are the key structural differences between ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae?
The key structural differences are:
- Fungal Sheath (Mantle): Ectomycorrhizae form a thick, visible fungal sheath or mantle around the plant's root tips, which is absent in endomycorrhizae.
- Hartig Net: In ectomycorrhizae, an intercellular network of hyphae called the Hartig net develops between the root's epidermal and cortical cells. This structure is not found in endomycorrhizae.
- Intracellular Structures: Endomycorrhizae are defined by their ability to form highly branched, tree-like structures called arbuscules inside the root cortical cells. These are the primary sites for nutrient exchange and are absent in ectomycorrhizae.
3. Can you provide some common examples of ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal associations?
Certainly. Common examples include:
- Ectomycorrhizae: These are typically found in woody plants, especially trees. Common associations involve fungi like Amanita, Boletus, and Tuber (truffles) with trees such as pine, oak, birch, and eucalyptus.
- Endomycorrhizae: These are far more common and are found in over 85% of land plants, including most agricultural crops (like corn, wheat, and potatoes), grasses, and shrubs. The fungi involved are primarily from the phylum Glomeromycota.
4. What is the ecological significance of this symbiotic relationship for the plant and the fungus?
The ecological significance is immense, based on a mutualistic symbiosis. The plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates (sugars) produced through photosynthesis. In return, the fungus extends its vast network of hyphae into the soil, vastly increasing the root system's surface area. This allows the plant to absorb water and essential mineral nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, far more efficiently than it could on its own. This relationship is crucial for plant survival in nutrient-poor soils and enhances overall ecosystem productivity.
5. How does the host specificity differ between ecto- and endomycorrhizae?
There is a significant difference in host specificity. Ectomycorrhizae tend to be more specific, with certain fungal species associating with particular groups of plants (e.g., specific fungi for pine trees). In contrast, endomycorrhizae, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizae, exhibit very low host specificity. A single species of endomycorrhizal fungus can often colonise a wide variety of different plant species, which is why they are so widespread in nature.
6. Are arbuscular mycorrhizae a type of ectomycorrhiza or endomycorrhiza?
Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are the most common type of endomycorrhiza. They are named for the characteristic 'arbuscules' (from the Latin 'arbusculum' for little tree) that they form inside the plant's root cells. This intracellular penetration for nutrient exchange is the defining feature of endomycorrhizae, distinguishing them clearly from ectomycorrhizae, which remain outside the root cells.
7. Does the presence of mycorrhizae change the physical appearance of plant roots?
Yes, especially in ectomycorrhizal associations. Roots colonised by ectomycorrhizae often appear swollen, shorter, and more branched, with the fungal sheath (mantle) sometimes giving them a distinct colour (e.g., white, yellow, or black). In contrast, roots with endomycorrhizae do not show significant changes in their external morphology, as the entire symbiotic interaction occurs on a microscopic level within the root tissue.
