PLP 150C1 1st Edition Lecture 18 Outline of Last Lecture I. Fungi-invertebrate associationsA. Direct & indirect interactionsII. Nematode-trapping fungiIII. Endosymbionts of nematodesIV. ArthropodsOutline of Current Lecture I. LichensA. EnvironmentsII. Mycorrhizal fungiIII. Cell wallsCurrent LectureLichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic association of a fungus with a photosynthetic partner.• Usually with a green algae or a cyanobacterium• Gives the algae water and minerals• Algae gives the fungus sugars• The morphology, physiology and biochemistry of lichens are super different from the isolated fungus & alga in culture.• Most lichen have an ascomycete mycobiont.◦ Reproduce by forming apothecia.◦ The spores often include the algal symbiont when they disperse.Foliose lichen - thallus resembles leaves/lobes that are loosely attachedLichens occur in extreme environments• arctic tundra, hot deserts, rocky coasts, toxic slag heaps• widespread, and may be long-lived• but some are vulnerable• have been used to make dyes and perfumes, and traditional medicinesIn some cases, epiphytes & endophytes represent latent infections• infections that haven’t developed and are waiting until more favorable condition to grow &cause disease.Mycorrhizal fungi are the key to plant health & their ability to grow in varied soils• Two types: the ectomycorrhizal and the endomycorrhizal.In the end, fungi decompose, not matter what. They are particularly good at breaking down plant matter.Fungi are the primary organisms responsible for breaking down wood.Cell wall components• Cellulose• Hemicellulose• Pectin•
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