What role de alge and fungus play in lichen? Explain.
Answers
Answer :In lichens (blue-green algae) the algae benefit their fungal partner by producing carbon compounds through photosynthesis and the fungal partner in return provides protection and also gather nutrients and moisture from environment ..this relationship between algae and fungi is known as symbiotic relationship in which both are mutually benefited. The energy produced through photosynthesis in the algae is transferred to the fungi which in turn becomes stronger- thus creating a safer environment for the algae. The relationship between them is a great example of a composite organism.The fungi absorbs water and minerals and provide them to algae.The algae prepare food with them with the help of chlorophyll.The prepared food is shared with fungi as,it is heterotrophic.
The symbiotic relationship between an algae and a fungus is known as lichens. They are considered to be hybrid. Two parts of lichen are :
Phycobiont : It refers to the algal component of the lichen. Algae prepare food for Fungi due to presence of chlorophyll.
Mycobiont : It refers to the fungal component of lichen. Fungus provides shelter to algae and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.