The importance of fungi and bacteria (mycorrhizae) in nutrient cycles

- Relationship between certain types of fungi + roots of plants - Fungi act like extensions of the plant's roots system + vastly increase SA for absorption of water + minerals - The mycorrhizae acts like a sponge so holds water + minerals in the neighborhood of the roots - Plant now better at resisting drought + takes up inorganic ions more readily - The mycorrhizae plays a part in nutrient cycle by improving the uptake of relatively scarce ions like phosphates ions