FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Symbiotic relation. A lichen is a composite organism that emerges from algae or cyanobacteria living among the filaments (hyphae) of the fungi in a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. The fungi benefit from the carbohydrates produced by the algae or cyanobacteria via photosynthesis.

Detailed explanation-2: -A lichen is not a single organism, but the result of a partnership (mutualistic symbiosis) between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacteria. Some lichens are formed of three or more partners. The body of a lichen consists of fungal filaments (hyphae) surrounding cells of green algae and/or blue-green cyanobacteria.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nutrients. Just like all living things, lichens need nutrients to survive and grow. The main nutrients include nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Nitrogen is especially important since it is necessary for the production of proteins and organic acids, and not just for lichens, but for life on this planet.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lichens are made up of two or more closely interacting organisms, a fungus, and one or more partners, called photobionts. The photobiont may be an alga and/or cyanobacteria, both of which can produce simple sugars by photosynthesis. In contrast, fungi are ‘heterotrophic’ and require an external source of food.