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Symbiosis in lichens is the mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship of green algae and/or blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) living among filaments of a fungus, forming lichen. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] Living as a symbiont in a lichen appears to be a successful way for a fungus to derive essential nutrients, as about 20% of all fungal species have ...
A lichen (/ ˈ l aɪ k ən / LIE-kən, UK also / ˈ l ɪ tʃ ən / LI-chən) is a hybrid colony of algae or cyanobacteria living symbiotically among filaments of multiple fungi species, along with yeasts and bacteria [1] [2] embedded in the cortex or "skin", in a mutualistic relationship.
Cephalodia-dwelling cyanobacteria are generally more rich in nitrogen-fixing heterocysts than those which live in the main photobiont layer of lichens. [2] [1] The symbiotic relationship provides additional benefits, as studies have shown that while free-living cyanobacteria may be damaged by repeated desiccation, their lichenised counterparts ...
Lichenology is the branch of mycology that studies the lichens, symbiotic organisms made up of an intimate symbiotic association of a microscopic alga (or a cyanobacterium) with a filamentous fungus. Lichens are chiefly characterized by this symbiosis. Study of lichens draws knowledge from several disciplines: mycology, phycology, microbiology ...
Diagram of the six possible types of symbiotic relationship, from mutual benefit to mutual harm. The definition of symbiosis was a matter of debate for 130 years. [7] In 1877, Albert Bernhard Frank used the term symbiosis to describe the mutualistic relationship in lichens.
Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria. The photosynthetic partner in the relationship is referred to in lichen terminology as a "photobiont". The fungal part of the relationship is composed mostly of various species of ascomycetes and a few basidiomycetes. [191]
The evolutionary relationships between lichens and lichenicolous fungi offer insights into the development of fungal symbioses and parasitism. While not all aspects of their co-evolution are fully understood, several trends and patterns have been observed that shed light on the evolutionary processes at play.
Lichens are known in which there is one fungus associated with two or even three algal species. Rarely, the reverse can occur, and two or more fungal species can interact to form the same lichen. [12] Both the lichen and the fungus partner bear the same scientific name, and the lichens are being integrated into the classification schemes for fungi.