The most widespread symbiosis on Earth.

Brachmann Andreas,Parniske Martin

doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0040239

Abstract

The most widespread symbiosis on Earth.

Highlights

The interaction between plant roots and Glomeromycota fungi [1]—arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM)—is probably the most important symbiotic association in nature
It has been suggested that colonization of the land surface was dependent on the fungal symbiont’s ability to forage into the soil for inorganic nutrients and water. This interaction apparently proved to be so successful that even after development of functional plant root structures, it was still retained in most plant families
A surprising promiscuity is observed in this symbiosis since, at least under laboratory conditions, many plant–fungus combinations lead to symbiotic structures

Summary

Introduction

The interaction between plant roots and Glomeromycota fungi [1]—arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM)—is probably the most important symbiotic association in nature. It has been suggested that colonization of the land surface was dependent on the fungal symbiont’s ability to forage into the soil for inorganic nutrients and water. Two important discoveries demonstrated that the early interaction between plant root and fungus involves mutual release of diffusible signaling molecules.

Results

Conclusion