Lichens and Mycorhizzae

By Thomas Phillips

Lichens

• Lichens are a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and a photobiont

Lichens Pt. 2

• Lichens play a key role in soil stabilization

• Lichens spores contain genetic material from both the fungus and photobiont

Mycorhizzae

• Mycorhizzae are a mutualistic association of plant roots with a fungus

• Mycorhizzae increase plant root surface area

Mycorhizzae Pt. 2

• With mycorhizzae, the fungus receives carbohydrates, and the plant is aided in the uptake of nutrients such as phosphates

• 95% of plant families are predominantly mycorrhizal