Symbiosis in lichens

Schematic cross section of lichen, a symbiosis between green algae and a fungus. 1. Thick layers of hyphae, called the cortex 2. Green algae 3. Loosely packed hyphae 4. Anchoring hyphae called rhizines.

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 adopted this mode of life.[4] The autotrophic symbionts occurring in lichens are a wide variety of simple, photosynthetic organisms commonly and traditionally known as “algae”. These symbionts include both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.[5][4][3][2]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference LNA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b "What is a lichen?". Australian National Botanical Garden.
  3. ^ a b "Introduction to Lichens – an Alliance between Kingdoms". University of California Museum of Paleontology.
  4. ^ a b "Lichens: Systematics". University of California Museum of Paleontology.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference dobson was invoked but never defined (see the help page).