Reproduction in Lichens

Figure 22-1 (a) A soredium. Reproduction in lichens is vegetative, requiring that both components of the symbionts go together. The soredium, a minute fragment of lichen, contains both algal and fungal components. It may break away from the parent lichen, be carried by wind, and become newly established elsewhere.(b), (c),a nd (d) The hyphae of the fungus is closely associated with algal cells.

The algal cells of a lichen may be scattered among the hyphae of the fungus or, more frequently, may form a layenre ar the surface. In reproduction, both parts increase. Reproduction can be accomplished by an asexual process wherein soda (several algal cellssu rrounded by fungal hyphae) are formed; or by the lichen beingt om apart by wind. Reproductionc an be accomplished by both parts independently; the alga divides by fission, whereas the fungus produces spores (perhaps ascospores).