plants use up to 60% of their energy secreting root mucilage, which they generate from photosynthesis that takes place in the leaves. root mucilage plays a role in developing a symbiotic relationship with the soil-dwelling fungi. this important relationship is known to affect 94% of land plants, and benefits plants by increasing water and nutrient uptake from the soil, particularly phosphorus. in return, the fungi receive food in the form of carbohydrates from the plant in the form of broken-down root mucilage. without this relationship, many plants would struggle to gain sufficient water or nutrients.