Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, where they attach to the roots and extend their hyphae into the surrounding soil. This association benefits both the plant and the fungus. The mycorrhizal fungi help plants to absorb nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and other minerals more effectively from the soil. In return, the plant provides sugars and other organic compounds to the fungi. This mutualistic relationship enhances the plant's nutrient uptake and overall growth, making mycorrhizal fungi essential for plant nutrition in many ecosystems.
