Lecture 8a: Symbiosis Flashcards
Mycorrhizal fungi
heterogenous group of diverse taxa associated with the roots of over 90% of all plant species
Benefit for the plant in mycorrhizal association
- Improves plant fitness
- Increases nutrition uptake and water absorption
- Increases the plant’s tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses
Benefit for the fungus in mycorrhizal-plant association
- Host plant provides carbon compounds derived from photosynthesis
Arbuscular mycorrhizae properties
- Obligate biotroph
- hyphal network acquires water and nutrients
How do Am support other ecological services
- Increase soil quality
- Change physiochemical properties of the soil* Increase biodiversity associated with plant communities
Lichen photosynthetic partners
mostly green alga but sometimes cyanobacteria
Trebouxia algae
Trntepholia algae
Which is the dominant partner between the lichen and its partner
The fungus (lichen) is the dominant partner
what does the photosynthetic partner provide for the lichen
Sugar
What does the lichen provide
Physical protection and absorbs micronutrients for the underlying substrate or from rainwater
Why are lichens so effective
They can accumulate atmospheric pollutants, particularly sulphur dioxide to levels that are toxic- so they are rarely seen in cities or major towns
Why are lichens important
- Soil formation
