Lichens, a combination of fungi and certain algae, live together in a close community interaction. The traditional understanding of lichen is one where the algae produces food for the fungi and the fungi supply the algae with a suitable home. Recently, however, it was found that the algae can live just fine on their own and are also found living "alone" in nature. The fungi on the other hand do

not appear to live on their own in the "wild." Which type of interaction characterizes the "traditional" understanding of lichen? Why? Which type of interaction does the new research suggest? Why?

What will be an ideal response?


A lichen has traditionally been viewed as an example of mutualism because both species seemed to benefit. Actually it may be more like commensalism because the fungi truly benefit and the algae may not because they live equally well on their own. The verdict is still out on this. But it does give the students something to think about and encourages them to apply their knowledge. If it is found that the algae actually do better alone, it is probably a case of controlled parasitism.

Biology & Microbiology

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Vertebrate cells possess a protein that binds to clusters of 5-methylcytosine and ensures the gene will stay in the "off" position. This control of gene regulation is a result of 

A. translation. B. enhancer expression. C. methylation. D. promoter expression. E. operator suppression.

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Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and Propionibacterium all

A. use sulfur compounds as terminal electron acceptors. B. oxidize inorganic compounds. C. oxidize organic compounds. D. use organic compounds as terminal electron acceptors. E. oxidize organic compounds AND use organic compounds as terminal electron acceptors.

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Describe the dermal tissue system

What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology