2013
Q. 97
Set A
Environment & Ecology
Agriculture
Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to
- resist drought and increase absorptive area
- tolerate extremes of pH
- resist disease infestation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Smart Elimination
Nature usually works together (Symbiosis). Fungi on roots usually help the plant survive tough times (drought). Broad, positive statements about nature are often true.
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: DThe correct answer is Option D.
Explanation: Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a higher plant.
- Absorptive Area: The fungal hyphae extend far into the soil, vastly increasing the surface area to absorb water and nutrients (Phosphorus). This helps resist drought. (Correct)
- pH Tolerance: They help plants survive in extreme pH (acidic/alkaline) soils. (Correct)
- Disease Resistance: The beneficial fungus protects roots from soil-borne pathogens. (Correct)
Value Addition
- VAM: Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (common type).
- Phosphorus: Key nutrient mobilized by Mycorrhiza.
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Questions
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Difficulty Assessment
medium
Foundational question based on core concepts.