What is the Difference Between Lichen and Mycorrhizae?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Lichen and mycorrhiza are both symbiotic relationships involving fungi, but they differ in their composition and function. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Composition: Lichens are composed of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium, while mycorrhizae are composed of the roots of a higher plant and a fungus.
- Function: Lichens involve the algae or cyanobacteria acting as the source of food for the fungus, while in mycorrhizae, the fungus increases the plant's nutrient uptake and receives products of photosynthesis from the plant in return.
- Types of Fungi: Mostly ascomycetes and basidiomycetes form lichens, while basidiomycetes, glomeromycetes, and some ascomycetes form mycorrhizae.
In summary, lichens are associations between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium, and mycorrhizae are associations between a fungus and plant roots. Both relationships are mutualistic, benefiting both partners involved.
Comparative Table: Lichen vs Mycorrhizae
Lichens and mycorrhizae are both symbiotic relationships involving fungi, but they differ in their composition, source of food, and the organisms involved. Here is a table highlighting the differences between lichens and mycorrhizae:
| Characteristic | Lichens | Mycorrhizae |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Composed of cyanobacteria or algae and fungi | Composed of roots of higher plants and fungi |
| Source of Food | Algae acts as the source of food for fungi | Fungus benefits from the easy access to food made by the plant |
| Types of Fungi Involved | Ascomycetes and basidiomycetes are present as fungus in lichens | Glomeromycetes, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, and Basidiomycetes are present as fungus in mycorrhizae |
| Purpose | Lichens can grow on bare rocks and don't have roots, making them pioneer species in primary ecological succession | Mycorrhiza is a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and a plant, where the fungus grows in or on the plant roots, helping the plant absorb water and nutrients |
In summary, lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and either cyanobacterium or green alga, while mycorrhizae involve fungi forming associations with plant roots. Both relationships are examples of mutualism, where both organisms benefit from the interaction.
- Fungi vs Lichen
- Root Nodules vs Mycorrhizae
- Parasitic Roots vs Mycorrhizae
- Ectomycorrhizal vs Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
- Mycorrhiza vs Coralloid Roots
- Ectomycorrhizae vs Endomycorrhizae
- Hyphae vs Mycelium
- Lichen vs Moss
- Myxomycota vs Eumycota
- Plants vs Fungi
- Mushrooms vs Fungus
- Crustose Foliose vs Fruticose Lichens
- Myxomycota vs Oomycota
- Fungi vs Fungus
- Saprophytic vs Symbiotic Plants
- Actinomycetes vs Fungi
- Fungi vs Algae
- Photobiont vs Mycobiont
- Bacteria vs Fungi