Fungi As Symbiont:
Two systems of symbiosis:
Parasitism: one symbiont benefits from the relationship while the other is harmed
Mutualism: both symbionts benefit
Both lichen and Mycorrhizae have mutualistic symbiosis
Lichen: Xanthoria, Cladonia, Xanthoparmelia.
The body of lichen has three layers. The fungus forms a thin, tough upper layer and a loosely packed lower layer. The upper and lower layers shield the photosynthetic cells in the middle layer. Lichens are very hard to grow alone this is why they exist through symbiosis. The fungus utilizes substances produced by algae and in turn provides its partner with a protected environment
Mycorrhizae:
Mycorrhizae has a mutualistic relationship between soil fungi and the roots of most plants. THe fungal partner in this case makes inorganic nutrients available to plants and the plant in turn passes organic nutrients to the fungus. There are two major groups of mycorrhize: Ectomycorrhizae and Endomycorrhizae.
Ectomycorrhizae have hyphae that grow in between the cells. Endomcorrhizae have hyphae that penetrate the cells, where they may form treelike arbuscles or swelling.
Lichen Structure
Mycorrhizae:
