Mutualistic Associations: Lichens & Mycorrhizae — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2019Mutualism: This interaction confers benefits on both the interacting species. Lichens represent an intimate mutualistic relationship between a fungus and photosynthesising algae or cyanobacteria. Similarly, the mycorrhizae are associations between fungi and the roots of higher plants. The fungi help the plant in the absorption of essential nutrients from the soil while the plant in turn provides the fungi with energy-yielding carbohydrates.
NTA tests whether students understand mutualism as a two-way beneficial relationship, specifically examining lichens (fungus + algae/cyanobacteria) and mycorrhizae (fungi + plant roots). The common mistake is confusing mutualism with parasitism or commensalism—students forget that BOTH organisms must benefit. In lichens, the fungus provides structure/protection while algae provide food through photosynthesis; in mycorrhizae, fungi absorb nutrients for the plant while receiving carbohydrates. Remember: if only one organism benefits, it's not mutualism. NTA may ask you to identify which organism benefits in a given association or distinguish mutualism from other symbiotic relationships.
This paragraph was tested 2 times in NEET.
Match Column I with Column II: (NEET 2019) Column I (a) Saprophyte (b) Parasite (c) Lichens (d) Mycorrhiza Column II (i) Symbiotic association of fungi with plant roots (ii) Decomposition of dead organic materials (iii) Living on living plants or animals (iv) Symbiotic association of algae and fungi
Mycorrhizae are an example of: (NEET 2017)
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