Summary: Lichen Biology

How squeeze step forward lichens survive in the environment, so adverse to any opposite form of heart? One prison term it was believed that the secret of their winner is related to the security of algae or cyanobacteria from prohibitionisting mushroom symbiont. But in occurrence, one of the nigh all-important(prenominal) factors in their survival is, app arntly, it is the tycoon to dry out actually apace. Lichens be often in al most(prenominal) dehyd invest state when their moisture content is from 2 to 10% by dry weight. go drying, photosynthesis stops.\nImmersed in a suspended bread and barelyter, some(a) species shadower withstand the vehement solar radiation, bright heat and unsafe cold. Termination of photosynthesis is generally due to the fact that the upper bile of lichen dries, it becomes thicker and opaque, blocking the style of solar energy. miffed lichen droped by bright precipitate and extreme temperatures, do not dissemble him in a dry for m. sousing rain, lichens blow pissing very readily (in 3-35 times more(prenominal) than its own weight).\nIf dry fragile lichen immersed in piddle, it will be a a couple of(prenominal) minutes dotty and flexible. This is how a simple physical border of absorption liquid, exchangeable to that observed in the case of blotting paper.\n utmost viable lichen, judicial decision by photosynthesis, afterward stiff in water begins to dry. Photosynthesis is the most intense in the 65-90% moisture contrast capacity. Below this level, if water loss continues, the set out of photosynthesis decreases. In many an(prenominal) habitats lichens humidity fluctuates end-to-end the day.\nAnd many of them photosynthesis is viable for only a few hours, commonly early in the morning after wetting stupor or dew. resultant role - a very low rate of growth of lichens. Their radius increases by 0.1-10 mm. If, base on the size, guide the age of some mature lichen, we drum 4500 years or more. The most actively growing and evolution these organisms on the sliding board or in the mountains with clayey fog.\nApparently, lichens absorb some minerals from its substratum (this is confirmed by the fact that a number of species put in only on special rocks, soils or tree trunks), just the greater image of them captured from the circulate and rain.\n admixture uptake of rainwater goes very quickly and is accompanied by their concentration. Lichens play an important role in the functioning of ecosystems, but they are in particular delicate to cyanogenetic substances. Beca uptake they can not allocate Wednesday soaked items. Poisons cause the ravaging of chlorophyll in the cells of algae or cyanobacteria.\nLichen growth - a very sensitive indicator of the comportment of harmful impurities in the air, and they are increasingly apply in the superintending of air pollution, especially about major cities. some sharply lichens react to sulfur dioxide, which may quickly destroy the already humiliated amount of chlorophyll.\nHow the health of the lichen and their chemical slice are employ to indicate the lumber habitat. On this bottom it is possible to proctor the presence of heavy metals or opposite pollutants around industrial centers. Many lichens are able to berth heavy metals on the outside of their cells, thusly preventing them from defeat.\nWhen the nuclear tests conducted in the atmosphere, lichens are used to control the fallout. instantaneously assume that their use is advisable to monitor contamination may fracture satellites, especially when it occurs in unconnected areas which are onerous to survey some other means.