Chapter 20.3, Problem 6MI

Summary Introduction

To Identify: 

The symbiotic relationships formed by the partners in the graphic organizer.

Introduction:

Kingdom Fungi is a group of eukaryotic heterotrophs. Usually they are saprophytes and some are parasites. Besides, saprophytes and parasites, some fungus forms mutualistic relationships with pants or green algae or blue green algae.

Answer to Problem 6MI

The symbiotic or mutualistic relationships between fungus and different organisms are given below:

S. No.	Answer
1	Mycorrhiza
2	Lichen

Explanation of Solution

Mycorrhiza:

A symbiotic relationship between a specialized fungus and the roots of a plant is the mycorrhiza. In this mutualistic relation, the fungal partner receives food (sugar molecules) produced by the plant and plant root gets minerals and nutrients from the soil with the help of fungus.

Lichen

A lichen is a symbiotic association between a fungus and a single-celled alga or cyanobacteria. The fungus protects the algae from unfavourable or harsh conditions and it receives nutrients produced by the algal partner.