Lichens are typically paired with which photosynthetic partner?

Lichens are typically paired with which photosynthetic partner?

• A. Fungi
• B. Algae or cyanobacteria
• C. Plants
• D. Bacteria

Answer: (B)

Lichens form a mutualistic partnership where a fungus relies on a photosynthetic partner to supply food. That photosynthetic partner is typically algae or cyanobacteria, which can convert light into sugars through photosynthesis to feed the entire organism. The fungus, in turn, provides structure, moisture retention, and protection. Because lichens depend on photosynthetic cells, the correct pairing is algae or cyanobacteria. Fungi are the non-photosynthetic partner, and plants or other bacteria aren’t the usual photobionts in this relationship. Cyanobacteria are a type of bacteria that can photosynthesize, which is why they’re included in this pairing as well.

Lichens form a mutualistic partnership where a fungus relies on a photosynthetic partner to supply food. That photosynthetic partner is typically algae or cyanobacteria, which can convert light into sugars through photosynthesis to feed the entire organism. The fungus, in turn, provides structure, moisture retention, and protection. Because lichens depend on photosynthetic cells, the correct pairing is algae or cyanobacteria. Fungi are the non-photosynthetic partner, and plants or other bacteria aren’t the usual photobionts in this relationship. Cyanobacteria are a type of bacteria that can photosynthesize, which is why they’re included in this pairing as well.