NEETBotanyPlant Kingdom
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): The roots of Pinus have an obligate association with a fungal partner. Reason (R): The fungal hyphae provide a large surface area that helps the plant absorb water and essential minerals from the soil. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given b
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Correct answer
B. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Step-by-step solution
Assertion (A) is correct because Pinus seeds cannot germinate and establish without the presence of mycorrhizae, making it an obligate association. Reason (R) is correct because in a mycorrhizal association, the fungal hyphae form a network around the young root or penetrate the root cells. They provide a large surface area that significantly enhances the plant's ability to absorb water and essential minerals from the soil. The reason correctly explains why the plant relies so heavily on this association for its es