Lichens Lab Report Biol 150 PDF

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Lichens lab report for BIOL 150

Lichens are formed by the association of fungi and algae or fungi and cyanobacteria; photosynthesinthesize, reproduce asexually; lichens suggests low levels of pollution; mutualism.

References
Cochrane, Kian. "Lichen." Red Colony. Sep...

Description

Lichens

BIO 150 - LAB Ari Kinnear November 5th, 2014

Lichens are formed by the association of fungi and algae or fungi and cyanobacteria. In most lichens, fungi are ascomycetes and algae are chlorophytes. The outer layers of lichens are formed by hyphae of the fungus, while the innermost layer is formed by the cells of the algae and also hyphae of the fungus. Algae have the ability to photosynthesinthesize, and because of this, can produce substances that are used in the nutrition of the fungus. In return, the fungus provides the algae protection and provides water and minerals. For some experts, the combination of these two organisms is a harmonious relationship of mutualism, as both organisms are benefited and the exchange of favors is very large. Therefore, they believe that the isolated survival of algae and fungi would be impossible. In a recent study, researchers found that algae developed better without the presence of fungi, while fungi failed to survive1 . This may suggest that the association that occurs between algae and fungi in lichens would be a "forced" by the fungus association, which could be understood as a balanced parasitism, and that algae does not he take any advantage of this association. Lichens are organisms that reproduce asexually through small fragments that have fungus hyphae and cells associated algae 2. These organisms are extremely sensitive to environmental changes, so they are considered bioindicators of pollution, because they can very easily absorb toxic substances in the air. Thus, the presence of lichens suggests low levels of pollution, while its disappearance suggests worsening environmental pollution.

1 2

" Lichen." ScienceDaily. Accessed November 1, 2014. Cochrane, Kian. "Lichen." Red Colony. September 2, 2001. Accessed November 1, 2014.

References Cochrane, Kian. "Lichen." Red Colony. September 2, 2001. Accessed November 1, 2014. "Lichen." ScienceDaily. Accessed November 1, 2014....