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The miracle of symbiosis: How do green algae and fungi work together to create the most beautiful lichens on Earth?
On Earth, many organisms depend on each other in various ways, yet no life form is more inspiring than lichens. Lichens are symbiotic organisms consisting of fungi and green or blue-green algae (i.e. bacteria), a remarkable partnership that demonstrates the power and resilience of life.
Lichens are known as nature's farmers because they display wonderful symbiotic patterns.
This symbiosis is not accidental. About 20% of fungal species obtain essential nutrients in the form of lichens. The main contribution of green or blue-green algae in this relationship is the production of organic carbon compounds through photosynthesis, which provide the energy needed by the fungi. The fungi, in turn, provide protection for these photosynthetic organisms and absorb water and nutrients from the environment through their hyphae.
Lichens are composed in such a way that they possess unique morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties that go far beyond the capabilities of their individual components.
According to statistics, 90% of known lichens contain green algae as symbiotic partners. Among them, Trebouxia was the most common, followed by Trentepohlia. These algae are not only able to survive independently, but also play a role in lichens, which reflects their adaptability.
Nomenclature of lichens
The naming convention for lichens usually shares the same scientific name for fungi and lichens, while algae or blue-green algae have their own separate scientific names, reflecting their respective classification systems.
Fungal components
About 20% of fungal species have the ability to form lichens. The vast majority of lichens are composed of ascomycetes, with the remainder including some basidiomycetes. It is noteworthy that although some fungi that leave lichens retain their association with the lichen, the status of these complexes often depends on the diversity and adaptability of the fungi.
Photosynthetic components
The photosynthetic components of lichens are called photobionts. About 100 species of photosynthetic organisms from 40 genera and five different taxonomic groups are associated with lichen-forming fungi. The combinations of these photosynthetic organisms can be very flexible, and many times one fungus can form lichens with multiple algae. This suggests that lichen morphology is closely related to fungi, while photosynthetic organisms can freely change their pairings.
Blue-green algae lichens
Although the vast majority of photosynthetic organisms are green algae, some lichens contain blue-green algae. In some cases, these organisms, called blue-green lichens, use blue-green algae as the main photosynthetic component. This illustrates the diversity and ecological adaptability of lichens.
Symbiotic ProcessThe interaction between fungi and photoorganisms is called "lichenification". The process covers five stages, starting from its separate existence in the environment to the final formation of a complete lichen structure. The parties guide each other through chemical signals, and communication between fungi and algae is crucial throughout the lichenification process.
Parasitic fungi
Some fungi can only survive by relying on lichens. These fungi are called "lichen parasitic fungi". These fungi are not part of the lichens, but their presence demonstrates the complexity of lichen ecosystems and the limits of our understanding of these interactions.
In summary, as a unique symbiont in nature, lichen not only represents the cooperative spirit of life, but also demonstrates the importance of biodiversity. Such symbiotic relationships are not limited to lichens; they can be found throughout ecosystems. As we appreciate the beauty and mystery of these tiny creatures, should we also reflect on the relationship between humans and nature?
