Definition Structure Functions and Key Differences Between Ectomycorrhizae and Endomycorrhizae
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 in Plants
1. What is the difference between ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae?
The main difference between ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae is that ectomycorrhizae form a sheath around root cells without penetrating them, while endomycorrhizae penetrate the root cortex cells.
- Ectomycorrhizae: Form an external fungal mantle and a Hartig net between root cells.
- Endomycorrhizae (especially arbuscular mycorrhizae): Penetrate root cells and form arbuscules and sometimes vesicles.
- Ectomycorrhizae are common in forest trees like pine and oak.
- Endomycorrhizae are found in most herbaceous plants and crops.
2. What are ectomycorrhizae?
Ectomycorrhizae are a type of mycorrhizal association where fungal hyphae surround plant roots and form a sheath without entering the root cells.
- They form a dense outer covering called the mantle.
- Hyphae grow between root cortical cells to form the Hartig net.
- Common in trees like Pinus, Quercus, and Betula.
- Improve water and mineral absorption, especially phosphorus and nitrogen.
3. What are endomycorrhizae?
Endomycorrhizae are mycorrhizal fungi that penetrate the root cortical cells and form internal structures for nutrient exchange.
- The most common type is arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM).
- They form tree-like structures called arbuscules inside root cells.
- Some also form storage structures called vesicles.
- Found in most crop plants like wheat, maize, and legumes.
4. How do ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae help plants?
Both ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae help plants by increasing nutrient and water absorption through a symbiotic relationship.
- Enhance uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen, and micronutrients.
- Increase root surface area via fungal hyphae.
- Improve drought resistance and soil tolerance.
- In return, fungi receive carbohydrates from the plant.
5. What is the structure of ectomycorrhizae?
The structure of ectomycorrhizae consists of a fungal mantle and a Hartig net formed around and between root cells.
- Mantle: Thick sheath of fungal hyphae surrounding the root tip.
- Hartig net: Network of hyphae between epidermal and cortical cells.
- Does not penetrate individual plant cells.
6. What is the structure of endomycorrhizae?
The structure of endomycorrhizae includes intracellular fungal hyphae that form arbuscules and vesicles inside root cortical cells.
- Arbuscules: Branched structures for nutrient exchange.
- Vesicles: Storage organs for lipids and nutrients.
- No external fungal mantle is formed.
7. Which plants have ectomycorrhizae and which have endomycorrhizae?
Ectomycorrhizae are mainly found in woody trees, while endomycorrhizae occur in most herbaceous plants and crops.
- Ectomycorrhizae: Pine, oak, eucalyptus, birch.
- Endomycorrhizae: Wheat, rice, maize, legumes, grasses.
- About 80–90% of land plants form endomycorrhizal associations.
8. What is a Hartig net and where is it found?
A Hartig net is a network of fungal hyphae that grows between root cells in ectomycorrhizae.
- Located between epidermal and cortical cells.
- Does not penetrate inside the plant cells.
- Acts as the main site of nutrient exchange in ectomycorrhizal associations.
9. What are arbuscules and vesicles in endomycorrhizae?
Arbuscules and vesicles are specialized fungal structures formed inside root cells in endomycorrhizae.
- Arbuscules: Highly branched structures that facilitate nutrient exchange.
- Vesicles: Spherical storage structures containing lipids.
- Found mainly in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi.
10. Why are mycorrhizae important in ecosystems?
Mycorrhizae are important in ecosystems because they enhance plant nutrition, soil health, and nutrient cycling.
- Increase plant productivity and forest growth.
- Improve soil structure through fungal hyphal networks.
- Help in carbon cycling by transferring plant carbon to soil fungi.
- Support biodiversity by connecting plants through underground fungal networks.
