Biology · MICROBES IN HUMAN WELFARE

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic associations with the roots of higher plants to aid solely in atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Reason (R): The fungal symbiont in mycorrhiza absorbs phosphorus from the soil and transfers it to the host plant. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
3. Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
4. Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.