Is lichen a fungal infection?

Is lichen a fungal infection?

Lichens are bizarre organisms and no two are alike. Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. The dominant partner is the fungus, which gives the lichen the majority of its characteristics, from its thallus shape to its fruiting bodies.

Which fungal group is most commonly found in lichens?

A few lichen fungi (approximately 20) are members of the fungal group Basidiomycota, but the vast majority are members of the Ascomycota (ascus-forming fungi) and they often produce conspicuous fungal fruiting bodies (ascocarps) – usually disk-shaped structures termed apothecia (e.g. Figures E, G).

Is lichen commensal?

In most cases, the basic kind of symbiosis existing between trees and lichens is one of ​commensalism​, in which one organism benefits from the association and the other is neither positively nor adversely affected. Lichens mainly use trees as structural perches.

What is the photosynthetic partner in lichen?

photobiont
A lichen looks like a single organism, but it is actually a symbiotic relationship between different organisms. It is composed of a fungal partner (mycobiont) and one or more photosynthetic partners (photobiont). The photosynthetic partner is generally green algae or cyanobacteria.

What are the two types of organisms that can be the photobiont in lichen?

Lichens. Lichens are unique, double organisms that consist of two unrelated components, an alga and/or cyanobacterium (photobiont) and a fungus (mycobiont).

What are the harmful effects of lichen?

Ulla Kaasalainen from the University of Helsinki has discovered that one in eight species of lichens wield microcystins, a group of poisons that cause liver damage in humans and other animals. These chemicals are manufactured by blue-green bacteria known as cyanobacteria.

What is the meaning of photobiont?

photobiont (plural photobionts) A photosynthetic symbiont, especially those in symbiosis with fungi in lichen.

Is lichen planus serious?

Lichen planus is not a dangerous disease, and it usually goes away on its own. However, in some people, it may come back.