Encyclopedia (Aug 2022)

Lichen as Multipartner Symbiotic Relationships

  • Lourdes Morillas,
  • Javier Roales,
  • Cristina Cruz,
  • Silvana Munzi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia2030096
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 3
pp. 1421 – 1431

Abstract

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Lichens have long been considered as composite organisms composed of algae and/or cyanobacteria hosted by a fungus in a mutualistic relationship. Other organisms have been gradually discovered within the lichen thalli, such as multiple algal species, yeasts, or even viruses. Of pivotal relevance is the existence of the lichen microbiome, which is a community of microorganisms that can be found living together on the lichen surface. This community performs a growing number of functions. In this entry, we explore the journey of lichens being considered from a dual partnership to a multi-species symbiotic relationship.

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