Question

What is the Greek etymological origin of the term 'mycorrhiza'?

Options

• 'Mykes' means soil and 'rhiza' means bacteria

• 'Mykes' means phosphate and 'rhiza' means soluble

• 'Mykes' means fungus and 'rhiza' means root

• 'Mykes' means nitrogen and 'rhiza' means fixing

Answer 1

The term mycorrhiza derives from two Greek words: 'mykes' which means fungus and 'rhiza' which means root. This etymological origin accurately reflects the nature of the symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots, highlighting the fungal component of this beneficial soil-plant interaction.