What are hyphae?

• A. Plant roots
• B. Bacterial strands
• C. Fungal strands that help connect soil particles
• D. Water channels

Answer: (C)

Hyphae are thread-like filaments that make up fungi. These fungal strands grow through soil, forming a network that both decomposes organic matter and absorbs nutrients. In soil, hyphae help bind particles together by exuding sticky substances and physically enmeshing the soil, which connects particles and improves soil structure. This is why fungal strands that help connect soil particles is the best description. They are not plant roots, not bacterial strands, and not water channels.