Question

(a) In Table 1, which fungal species has the most genes encoding membrane transporters (membrane transport proteins; see Concept 7.2)? (b) Why might these genes be of particular importance to L. bicolor?

Short answer

(a) Laccariabicolor has a large number of membrane transporters for encoding genes.

(b) L. bicolor is known as an ectomycorrhizal fungus and a soil organism that lives freely. Gene encoding for enzymes associated with the cell wall components of the plant are regulated by the fungi as they are present in the plant roots.

Step-by-step solution

Membrane transport proteins

A membrane transport protein is involved in the ions, macromolecule movements. Transport proteins are also known as integral transmembrane proteins. The types of membrane transport proteins are i) carrier proteins, ii) gated-channel proteins, and iii) channel proteins.

Explanation for part (a)

In table 1, the number in the first column that describes L.bicolor has the highest number of genes. These genes are for membrane transportation.

Other columns representing the other four non-mycorrhizal fungi have lower numbers of genes associated with membrane transportation.

Explanation for part (b)

Many recent technologies show how one can use specialized membrane transporters from the plants to increase the production of staple crops and the nutritional contents in crops or foods.

Plants’ membrane transporters also increase the resistance power against stresses (for example, aluminium toxicity, salinity), and it also increases the availability of arable land.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi provide soil nutrients to their hosts by exchanging carbon from plants. This fungus group helps plants tolerate various environmental conditions and increase the survival rate of woody plants.In the agricultural and horticultural field, L. bicolor is used as soil inoculant.