What is the name of the fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots?

Mycorrhizae are the fungi that establish a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants. This mutualistic association enhances nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, for the plant while the fungus benefits from carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis by the plant. This relationship is crucial for many plant species and allows them to thrive in nutrient-poor soils. Mycorrhizae not only improve plant nutrition but also contribute to soil structure and health, enabling better water retention and access to other essential nutrients.

In contrast, lichens are a symbiotic association between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, but they are not specifically related to plant root systems. Mycelium refers to the vegetative part of fungi, primarily consisting of a network of hyphae, rather than a specific relationship with plants. Chloroplasts, on the other hand, are organelles within plant cells responsible for photosynthesis and do not relate to the symbiotic relationship discussed in the question.