What does "Haustoria" mean?
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Haustoria are specialized structures formed by certain types of fungi that infect plants. These structures grow into the plant's cells and allow the fungus to absorb nutrients directly from the plant.
How Haustoria Work
When a fungus infects a plant, it creates haustoria that penetrate the plant's cells. Through these structures, the fungus can take in water and nutrients necessary for its growth. In return, the fungus may release proteins that can affect how the plant responds to the infection.
Importance of Haustoria
Haustoria play a crucial role in the survival of parasitic fungi. By tapping into the plant's resources, these fungi can thrive and reproduce. Understanding how haustoria function is important for developing ways to protect plants from these types of infections and manage crop health.