Looking for classes? Ksquare Career Institute, Bengaluru →
There exists a close association between the alga and the fungus within a lichen. The fungus -
A
Provides food for the alga
B
Provides protection, anchorage and absorption for the alga
C
Fixes the atmospheric nitrogen for the alga
D
Releases oxygen for the alga
Detailed Solution
A lichen is a symbiotic (mutualistic) association between an alga (phycobiont) and a fungus (mycobiont).
The algal component contains chlorophyll and prepares food by photosynthesis for both partners; some cyanobacterial partners also fix nitrogen.
The fungal component forms the bulk of the thallus. It provides shelter and protection to the alga, anchors the lichen to the substratum, and absorbs water and mineral nutrients for it.
So the fungus does not provide food, fix nitrogen or release oxygen; these are done by the algal partner.
Lichens are very good indicators of air pollution, because they do not grow in polluted areas.
So the fungus provides protection, anchorage and absorption for the alga.
The algal component contains chlorophyll and prepares food by photosynthesis for both partners; some cyanobacterial partners also fix nitrogen.
The fungal component forms the bulk of the thallus. It provides shelter and protection to the alga, anchors the lichen to the substratum, and absorbs water and mineral nutrients for it.
So the fungus does not provide food, fix nitrogen or release oxygen; these are done by the algal partner.
Lichens are very good indicators of air pollution, because they do not grow in polluted areas.
So the fungus provides protection, anchorage and absorption for the alga.