Question

Discuss one way fungi interact with another organism in a parasitic or mutualistic way.

Answer 1

The parasite benefits whilst the host is harmed in a parasitic relationship. Parasitic fungi live in or on other organisms and are obtaining their nutrients. Fungi have special structures with which to penetrate a host. They also produce enzymes which break down tissues of the host.

Parasitic fungi often cause illness and eventually may destroy their host. They are the main cause of disease in growing plants. Fungi also parasitize animals.

Fungi has a number of mutualistic relationships with other organisms. In the context of mutualism, both organisms benefit from the relationship. Two common mutualistic relationships involving fungi are mycorhiza and lichen

Many fungi have been found to be mutualistic. A mutualistic fungus is associated with another organism, usually with some benefits for both partners, but always with benefits for the other organism.Through mutualistic partnerships, the advantages do not need to be shared equally. For example, the relationship between plants and fungi is reciprocal.Most plants rely on symbiotic fungi to help them obtain water and soil nutrients.Mycorhizae, or fungal roots, are specialized roots that grow plants and host the fungus.Since the fungus has such a large surface area, it can soak up water and nutrients over a large area and distribute them to the plants. In exchange, the plant supplies the fungus with energy-rich sugars derived from photosynthesis.This is an example of mutualism in which both species benefit from the interaction. Thus, the fungal roots serve as a symbiotic relationship between both plants and fungi.