Genetic diversity within lichen photobionts of the Lecanora varia group (Lichenes, Ascomycota)

S. Pérez-Ortega, Ulrik Søchting, C. Printzen

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    Abstract

    Lichens are symbiotic organisms, where a fungus–generally a member of the Ascomycota –
    and a photobiont – generally a green algae – interact closely in a widespread life form
    strategy.
    Recently, numerous studies have focused on the genetic diversity and phylogenetic
    relationships of the fungal partner of the symbiosis. Meanwhile, knowledge about photobiont
    diversity and the degree of photobiont selectivity of the fungus have been lacking behind. The
    Lecanora varia group is a set of species within the genus Lecanora defined by the presence of
    an amphitecial cortex along with the presence of usnic acid as secondary metabolite. We have
    focused on a small group of three species, namely L. varia, L. burgaziae, and L. densa which
    share very similar anatomical and morphological characters and an identical chemistry, with
    psoromic and 2-O-demethylpsoromic acids in addition to usnic acid. We have collected
    populations of these three species from various localities within their distributional range: L
    varia (Spain, Austria, Sweden, Czech Republic, western Siberia); L. burgaziae (Spain) and L.
    densa (North America and Spain). Subsequently, we sequenced the internal transcribed spacer
    (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA to assess the degree of genetic variability within
    the phobobionts present.
    A high degree of variability was found among the photobionts of sampled specimens. Not
    only different lineages but also different photobiont species were detected. No correlation
    between lichen species and photobiont lineages was found. However, there is a high
    correlation between the geographical origin of samples and the photobiont lineages.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication date2007
    Publication statusPublished - 2007
    EventGenetic diversity within lichen photobionts of the Lecanora varia group (Lichenes, Ascomycota) - Vienna, Austria
    Duration: 20 Feb 200723 Feb 2007

    Conference

    ConferenceGenetic diversity within lichen photobionts of the Lecanora varia group (Lichenes, Ascomycota)
    Country/TerritoryAustria
    CityVienna
    Period20/02/200723/02/2007

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