Biology · Biological Classification · NEET
The phycobiont is the ALGA. Break the word: 'phyco' means alga (like phycology, the study of algae). So phycobiont = algal partner. It does photosynthesis and makes the food. NEET loves to swap this word, so remember: Phyco = Photo = the food-maker.
The mycobiont is the FUNGUS. 'Myco' means fungus (like mycology, the study of fungi). So mycobiont = fungal partner. It does not make food. It gives water, minerals, and a protected body (shelter) to the alga. Myco = mushroom = the house.
The alga (phycobiont) is the AUTOTROPH. It has chlorophyll and makes its own food by photosynthesis. The fungus (mycobiont) is the HETEROTROPH. It cannot make food, so it depends on the sugar made by the alga. This is the key exchange that keeps the lichen alive.
The alga gives FOOD (sugar from photosynthesis) to the fungus. The fungus gives WATER, MINERALS, and SHELTER (a protective body) to the alga. Because both partners benefit, this is called mutualism. Neither can survive as well alone in that harsh spot.
A lichen is a SYMBIOTIC and MUTUALISTIC association. Symbiosis means two organisms live closely together. Mutualism means BOTH gain a benefit. NCERT calls it a 'mutually useful association between algae and fungi.' It is NOT parasitism, because neither partner is harmed.
A lichen is NOT one organism and NOT a plant. It is a partnership of two different organisms (an alga + a fungus) living as one body. In the Five Kingdom system there is no separate kingdom for lichens; NCERT introduces them as a special symbiotic association, not as plants.
Because a lichen must have BOTH kinds of partner to work. One partner (alga) makes food; the other partner (fungus) protects and supplies water. If both were algae, no one would give shelter; if both were fungi, no one would make food. The whole idea is a food-maker plus a house-maker.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Symbiotic association between fungi and algae are called ________.
Match Column I with Column II: (a) Saprophyte (b) Parasite (c) Lichens (d) Mycorrhiza with (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.
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
A lichen is a symbiotic, mutualistic association between an alga (phycobiont) and a fungus (mycobiont), where the alga makes food and the fungus gives water, minerals, and shelter.
The alga, called the phycobiont. It is autotrophic and does photosynthesis. The fungus (mycobiont) is heterotrophic and depends on this food.
Mycobiont means the fungal partner of a lichen ('myco' = fungus). It provides shelter, water, and minerals but cannot make food.
No. A lichen is an alga + fungus association. A mycorrhiza is a fungus + plant-root association. Both are symbiotic, but the partners are different. NEET often pairs them to confuse you.
Because BOTH partners benefit and neither is harmed. The alga gets shelter and water; the fungus gets food. In parasitism, one organism is harmed, which does not happen here.
