Dispersed by air currents, the small, dry spores land and germinate to form mycelia. Stalked structures on the mycelia release spores to propagate the line. The zygote becomes enclosed in a zygosporangium, which later releases haploid spores that will germinate to produce stalked structures. Multicelled forms include edible morels and truffles, plus Penicillium, famous as a source of antibiotics and Aspergillus , the fermenter of soy sauce. A Look at the Unloved Few V. Symbionts Revisited A. Lichens 1.
Lichens are mutualistic associations between fungi and cyanobacteria, green algae, or both.
The fungus parasitizes the photosynthetic alga upon which it depends entirely for its food. The algae derive very little benefit other than a protected place to survive. Lichens live in inhospitable places such as bare rock and tree trunks. By their metabolic activities, lichens can change the composition of their substrate. They are unusually sensitive to air pollution B. Mycorrhizae 1.