Fungi - case Study's|Pharmaceutical Microbiology| SNS Institutions

Описание: #snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking

Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of most plants (about 90% of land plants), where the fungus helps the plant absorb water and nutrients (like phosphorus and nitrogen) from the soil, while the plant provides the fungus with sugars from photosynthesis.
Simple description of a classic case study:
In many forests, trees are connected underground by a network of mycorrhizal fungal threads (hyphae), often called the "Wood Wide Web." A well-known example involves Douglas fir and ponderosa pine trees in North American forests.
Larger, older trees (like "mother trees") share nutrients and water through this fungal network with smaller seedlings or shaded young trees.
In shaded areas, seedlings can receive up to 25-50% of their carbon (energy) from nearby mature trees via the fungi.
The fungi also help protect plants from diseases, drought, and heavy metals.
This mutual benefit promotes greater tree diversity and healthier forests overall. Studies (e.g., by Suzanne Simard) show that disrupting these networks (like through clear-cutting) reduces forest recovery and biodiversity.
This case highlights how fungi are essential "hidden helpers" in ecology, supporting plant growth without being visible above ground.