Arbuscular mycorrhiza induced ATPases and membrane nutrient transport mechanisms

The evolutionary success of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis reflects the unique combination of a superior biotrophic mode of fungal carbon acquisition and the ability of the living plant to absorb nutrients, especially phosphorus, from the fungal partner (Jakobsen 1999). This mutualistic way of life must require controlled expression of a large set of membrane transport systems active in phosphate uptake from the soil by the extraradical hyphae, its transfer to the host plant across a symbiotic interface, and coupled to transport of photosynthates in the opposite direction. The implied membrane transporters are therefore integral systems in the functioning of the symbiosis. Very littl…