Question

Lichens and mycorrhizae (all of the major types that we studied this quarter) are biotrophic relationships between fungi and one or more photosynthetic partners (plants, algae, Cyanobacteria). What basic characteristics do they have in common or share and how do they differ from one another. How many major groups of fungi have evolved these types of relationships?

Answer 1

In lichen:-

Characteristic common in between algae and fungi:-

• Both are thallophytes
• Majority are eukaryotes
• Absence of vascular tissue
• Cell wall made up of polysaccharides
• Vegetative reproduction

Difference between algae and fungi:-

Algae:-

• Mostly aquatic
• Chlorophyll present
• Autotrophic
• Usually green in colour

Fungi:-

• Mostly terrestrial
• Chlorophyll absent
• Heterotrophic
• Colourless

Mycorrhizae:-

Characteristic common in between fungi and plant:-

• Both are made up of eukaryotic cells
• Evolved from protists
• Made up of cell wall

Difference?:-

Fungi:-

• No differentiation into roots ,stems and leaves
• Cell wall made up of chitin
• Heterotrophic
• Chlorophyll absent

Plants:-

• Differentiated into roots stems and leaves
• Cell wall made up of cellulose
• Autotrophic
• Chlorophyll present

Four major group of fungi have evolved these type of relationship namely:- zygomycota,ascomycota,bascidiomycota, deuteromycota

Symbiotic relationships are as follows:-

• Lichens
• Mycorrhiza
• Fungi and animal mutualism ( parasitism)