There are several amazing groups in nature.organisms that do not belong to any of the known realms of nature. And all because they are a collection of several of them. One of the most prominent such examples are lichens. They are even studying a separate science, which is called lichenology. What are the structural features of lichens, their habitats and life processes? All this will be discussed in detail in our article.
These organisms are not like anybody.the result of the coexistence of mushrooms and algae. But not all representatives of these groups are able to form this mutually beneficial cohabitation. What are the features of lichen structure? The body of the fungus, or mycelium, consists of many thin filaments, which are called hyphae. Between them are cells of cyanobacteria - blue-green algae. As a result, a single organism is formed. He is able to function only in the presence of viable fungi and algae.
Составляющие части этого природного симбиоза are not at all chaotic. The structure of the lichen (the diagram illustrates the arrangement of the individual elements) has a clear structure. Is the body of these organisms a thallus? or thall. It is based on the hyphae of the fungus, which are sealed at the top and bottom, forming the so-called peel. Its functions are similar to those of the integumentary tissue of plants. It is protection from adverse conditions and the relationship of the organism with the environment.
Fungi are also located inside the lichen.thread, but more loose and roomy. This is a prerequisite, because between them are cells of cyanobacteria. Like mushrooms, lichens have rhizoids. These formations resemble the roots of higher plants in function and location in the body. And their main difference is the absence of all types of fabrics. Thus, the rhizoid cells are not specialized and are combined only anatomically.
The structural features of lichens determine their association into groups according to the shape of the body - the thallus. Depending on this, there are several groups:
Внутреннее строение лишайника обусловливает и physiological features of these organisms. Since they are formed by mushrooms and algae, all vital processes are similar to these groups of representatives of wildlife.
Грибы и зеленые водоросли питаются принципиально in different ways: hetero-and autotrophic. Therefore, lichens are characterized by the first and second. This is of great importance for the process of adaptation of these organisms to different habitat conditions. After all, if there are no conditions for the independent formation of carbohydrates, the body absorbs the nutrient particles necessary for life from the soil or another substrate. Algae carry out the process of photosynthesis, providing lichens with necessary organic substances and enriching the air with oxygen. And mushrooms absorb water from the substrate with dissolved minerals. They are used by cyanobacteria for the photosynthesis process. This method of nutrition is called myxotrophic.
Чтобы определить тип размножения этих организмов, it is necessary to recall once more what are the features of the structure of lichens. And since they consist of mushrooms and algae, then the process of reproducing themselves is capable of both the first and second. This fact is also important for their adaptation and distribution.
Like mushrooms, lichens form spores - cellsasexual reproduction. They are transported by wind and water over long distances and are very viable. In favorable conditions, they begin to develop, forming an adult organism. As lower plants, lichens multiply asexually by vegetative means, namely by parts of the thallus. These can be rather large bushes or very small fragments containing only a few hyphae of fungi and cyanobacterial cells. This is enough for the rapid development of the whole organism. The vegetative breeding method is predominant compared with sporulation.
What is the structure of the lichen, we found out.Now let's look at the main aspects of its meaning in wildlife. Lichens are not accidentally called "pioneers" of the plant world. After all, they are able to develop in places where other organisms can not live. For example, settling on solid rocks, they gradually destroy them. The result is a basis for the formation of soil cover - a necessary living condition of plants.
Lichens are completely unpretentious to the conditionshabitats, but prefer high humidity. When droughts or frosts come, they suspend the intensity of life processes and resume them after. Lichens are food for some northern animals. In medicine, they are used as bactericides.
Lichens are a special group of organisms thatis a mutually beneficial cohabitation of mushrooms and algae. They combine the properties of these kingdoms of nature, being indicators of the purity of the environment and the basis of the vegetation cover of the tundra.
