The relationship between the fungi and algae in lichens is best described as
A)a mutually beneficial relationship between normally free-living strains.
B)a complete mixing of the genomes of the two groups at the cellular level.
C)an endosymbiotic transfer of the chloroplasts of algae to the hyphae cells.
D)a possible controlled parasitism wherein the fungi withdraw food from the algae and the algae can grow better alone.
E)a possible controlled parasitism wherein the algae are moistened and protected by the fungi but the fungi can grow better alone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fungi and algae in lichens have a mutually beneficial relationship, where the fungi provide a protected environment for the algae to grow and the algae provide food for the fungi through photosynthesis. This relationship is called mutualism.

The Relationship Between the Fungi and Algae in Lichens Is