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Published on: February 1, 2022
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Cyanobacterial Variability in Lichen Cephalodia
Maria Prieto1, Natalia Montané1, Gregorio Aragón1
1Biodiversity and Conservation Area, Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, Rey Juan Carlos University, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, 28933 Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 25, 2023
Summary
Cephalolichens host diverse cyanobacteria (Nostoc) within their structures, indicating low specialization. This genetic variability enhances lichen adaptability to changing environments.
Area of Science:
- Symbiotic relationships in lichenology
- Cyanobacterial genetics and ecology
- Plant-fungal interactions
Background:
- Lichen ecological success depends on fungal (mycobiont) and photosynthetic (photobiont) partners.
- Cephalolichens uniquely host both green algae and cyanobacteria, with cyanobacteria in specialized cephalodia.
- Intra-species and intra-individual specialization patterns of cyanobionts in cephalolichens remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genetic variability of cyanobionts (Nostoc) within and among cephalolichen species.
- To assess cyanobiont specialization at intrathalline, intraspecific, and interspecific levels.
- To compare cyanobiont diversity across different cephalolichen species and forest environments.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of cyanobionts (Nostoc) from 90 cephalodia across 18 thalli of three cephalolichen species.
- Sampling conducted in two distinct forest locations.
- Analysis focused on variability within individual thalli and across different species and sites.
Main Results:
- Significant genetic variability of Nostoc operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was observed within all studied cephalolichen species.
- Variability was found at both intrathalline (within a single lichen) and intraspecific (within a species) levels.
- Differences in OTU diversity were noted among species and between the two forest sites.
Conclusions:
- The observed genetic variability in Nostoc suggests limited specialization within cephalolichen symbioses.
- This plasticity may provide cephalolichens with an adaptive advantage for colonizing new habitats or enduring environmental changes.
- Findings highlight the dynamic nature of lichen symbiont interactions and their ecological implications.
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