Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 27, Issue 2, 2021; Page No.(799-805)

COMPREHENSIVE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY OF BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES IN LICHENS: A REVIEW

Aliffa Yusti Sadila, Ummi Zubaidah, Annisa Nur Fatimah, Diaz Fathania Adani and Almando Geraldi

Abstract

The structural form of lichens mostly occur as moss-like substances.They grow on barks, branches, rocks,exposed soil surfaces, rain forests, and temperate woodland. Lichens are holobionts with more than one participant in the association. They are usually comprised of a filamentous fungal partner called mycobiont and an algal partner called photobiont. Lichen as a mutualistic association between a fungal and an algal partner, is now, a traditional concept. Recent and advanced molecular level studies revealed the fact, that lichens harbor diverse microbial communities such as heterotrophic bacteria. Bacterial communities in lichen vary as they are also influenced by abiotic environment that builds up their habitat. The metabolic activities of bacteria in lichen may provide benefits both to the bacteria itself and the lichen where it lives. This review pivots diversity of bacterial communities, the influence of abiotic environments on bacterial communities, and functional roles of bacterial communities in lichens.