Solution:

Option (c) is the answer.

Fungal mycelia are found in the roots of several higher plants. Mycorrhiza is the name for such a relationship. It reflects a mutualistic (symbiotic) relationship between higher plants’ root systems and fungal hyphae. The hyphae of the fungus develop a network around the immature root and infiltrate the root cells. External hyphae increase the surface area available for mineral and water absorption from a considerably bigger volume of soil than the roots alone can.