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Mechanism of Carbon Transfer in Mycorrhizal Fungi
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Parya Namdari   , Khadijeh Abbasi * |
| Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran |
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Abstract: (3 Views) |
Mycorrhizal symbiosis, dating back 450 million years, is a mutualistic interaction between plants and fungi in which the host plant provides photosynthetically fixed carbon to the fungus; in return, the fungus facilitates the acquisition of mineral nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, for the plant. Isotopic studies have demonstrated that, on average, 15% to 30% of the plant’s photosynthetic carbon is transferred to the fungal mycelial network within 24 hours. This carbon transfer occurs through six regulated molecular and physiological stages: carbon fixation in chloroplasts, sucrose biosynthesis, phloem transport, sucrose hydrolysis in the apoplast, glucose uptake via the peri-arbuscular membrane, and carbon metabolism within the fungal mycelium. Members of the monosaccharide transporter (MST) and hexose transporter (HXT) families mediate the uptake of monosaccharides. The carbon acquired by the fungus is partitioned among distinct metabolic pathways that support energy production, growth, and reserve accumulation. Environmental factors such as light intensity, soil temperature, moisture, and soil nitrogen positively influence carbon transfer, whereas soil phosphorus has a negative effect. A profound understanding of these mechanisms can provide a foundation for developing novel strategies in sustainable agriculture, reducing chemical fertilizer consumption, and promoting effective soil carbon sequestration.
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| Keywords: Hexose transporter proteins, Photosynthate partitioning, Carbon sequestration, Environmental stresses |
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Full-Text [PDF 907 kb]
(2 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/05/22 | Accepted: 2026/09/2
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