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Nature 452, 42-43 (6 March 2008) | doi:10.1038/452042a; Published online 5 March 2008

Genomics: Fungal symbiosis unearthed

Dan Cullen1

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Associations between plant roots and fungi are a feature of many terrestrial ecosystems. The genome sequence of a prominent fungal partner opens new avenues for studying such mycorrhizal interactions.

Plants and fungi often form marriages of convenience. In one form of this symbiotic relationship — an ectomycorrhizal association — long, branching fungal filaments known as hyphae ramify between cells of the root's outer layers, form a sheath around the root, and radiate outwards into the surrounding soil and litter.

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