Editing Mycorrhiza (section)

===Mechanisms===

The mechanisms by which mycorrhizae increase absorption include some that are physical and some that are chemical. Physically, most mycorrhizal mycelia are much smaller in diameter than the smallest root or root hair, and thus can explore soil material that roots and root hairs cannot reach, and provide a larger surface area for absorption. Chemically, the cell membrane chemistry of fungi differs from that of plants. For example, they may secrete [[organic acid]]s that dissolve or [[Chelation|chelate]] many ions, or release them from minerals by [[ion exchange]].<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Overview of Mycorrhizal Symbioses |title=Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology |isbn=978-0-13-094117-6 |chapter-url=http://cropsoil.psu.edu/sylvia/mycorrhiza.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623051447/http://cropsoil.psu.edu/sylvia/mycorrhiza.htm|archive-date= June 23, 2010|last1=Sylvia |first1=David M. |last2=Fuhrmann |first2=Jeffry J. |last3=Hartel |first3=Peter G. |last4=Zuberer |first4=David A. |year=2005 |publisher=Pearson Prentice Hall }}</ref> Mycorrhizae are especially beneficial for the plant partner in nutrient-poor soils.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/e33/33b.htm |title=Botany online: Interactions - Plants - Fungi - Parasitic and Symbiotic Relations - Mycorrhiza |publisher=Biologie.uni-hamburg.de |access-date=2010-09-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606050759/http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/e33/33b.htm |archive-date=2011-06-06 }}</ref>