Lichens show symbiotic relationships between

Options

A. Algae and fungi
B. Algae and bacteria
C. Fungi and bacteriophage
D. Alage and bacteriophage

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Lichens:**
- Lichens are complex organisms that arise from the symbiotic relationship between two different types of organisms: algae and fungi.

2. **Identifying the Organisms Involved:**
- In this symbiotic relationship:
- The algal partner is referred to as the **phycobiont**. This is usually a type of green algae or sometimes cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
- The fungal partner is known as the **mycobiont**. This can be from the groups Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes.

3. **Function of Each Partner:**
- The **algae** (phycobiont) perform photosynthesis, producing food that sustains both organisms. Although the algae make up only about 5% of the lichen, they are crucial for providing energy.
- The **fungi** (mycobiont) make up about 95% of the lichen and play a vital role in absorbing water and minerals from the environment, which benefits the entire lichen structure.

4. **Conclusion:**
- The symbiotic relationship in lichens is mutually beneficial: the algae provide food through photosynthesis, while the fungi provide a suitable habitat and absorb nutrients. Therefore, lichens show a symbiotic relationship between **algae and fungi**.

5. **Final Answer:**
- The correct answer to the question is that lichens show a symbiotic relationship between **algae and fungi**.

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