Question

Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): Members of genus Glomus form mycorrhiza.
Reason (R): Fungal symbiont facilitates the absorption of manganese by the plant from the soil.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true, (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true, (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is true, but (R) is false
• D. (A) is false, but (R) is true

Hint:

Keywords for Mycorrhiza ({Glomus}):

• Symbiotic association.
• Absorption of {Phosphorus}.
• Resistance to root-borne pathogens.
• Tolerance to salinity and drought.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Analyze Assertion (A):
The genus \textit{Glomus} is a well-known group of fungi that form Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) associations with the roots of many plants.
Status: True.
Step 2: Analyze Reason (R):
The main function of mycorrhiza (especially \textit{Glomus}) is to absorb Phosphorus from the soil and pass it to the plant. While they may assist with other micronutrients and water, the primary and most significant contribution cited in biological texts (like NCERT) is Phosphorus absorption, not Manganese. Manganese is not the defining nutrient for this association.
Status: False.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Assertion is True, Reason is False. This matches Option (C).