Fungi helps the roots by which function?

• A. Absorbs water and essential mineral elements while fungi get nourishment from the roots
• B. Produces sugars for the plant
• C. Defends against pests by producing toxins
• D. Breaks down leaves for recycling

Answer: (A)

Fungi form a mutualistic relationship with plant roots that mainly boosts the plant’s ability to take up water and essential mineral nutrients. The fungal hyphae extend far into the soil, increasing the surface area from which roots can absorb resources, especially phosphorus and other micronutrients that are often hard for roots to access. In return, the plant supplies the fungi with sugars produced by photosynthesis. This exchange—enhanced absorption in return for carbon from the plant—is the key function of this root-fungi partnership.

So the option describing absorption of water and mineral elements while fungi receive nourishment from the plant best captures the main role of the relationship. The other ideas aren’t the primary function: sugars for the plant come from the plant itself, not the fungi as the main product; pest defense and leaf decomposition are not the central benefit of this particular symbiosis.