Question

Lichens are among the slowest-growing organisms, but their tolerance of environmental extremes enables them to colonize habitats where few other macroscopic organisms can grow. They grow where neither the fungal partner (mycobiont) or the photosynthetic partner (photobiont) could survive alone, because they benefit from their unique symbiotic association. What mutualistic behaviors aid in the survival of both organisms?

A) The photobiont processes and provides nitrogen and carbon products to the mycobiont.
B) The photobionts are protected and able to grow in conditions in which they could not grow alone and in return release glucose in some form to the mycobiont.
C) The photobionts absorb mineral nutrients from the underlying surface or from minute traces of atmospheric contaminants while the mycobionts synthesize organic nutrients from carbon dioxide.
D) The photobionts produce ammonium and organic sodium compounds from N2 gas by sodium fixation; that in turn, aids the mycobionts in producing enzymes to decompose the substrate on which they live.

Answer 1

The photobionts are protected and able to grow in conditions in which they could not grow alone and in return release glucose in some form to the mycobiont

Step-by-step explanation:

The mycobionts help retain moisture for the algae. The algae undergo photosynthesis to produce-carbon based compounds, such as glucose, which is shared with the fungus.

Answer 2

The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lichens is regarded as a mutual relationship between a mycobiont and photobiont, the relationship is targeted at enhancing their survival in extreme environments. The mycobiont is a fungal while the photobiont is usually a green alga or a mycobacterium. Each of the organism has their specific tasks; the mycobiont provides suitable habitat for the photobiont while the photobiont provide energy for the whole system.