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Modifications of nitrogen-fixing algae in lichen symbioses

Abstract

THE factors responsible for the establishment of lichen symbioses involving nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae are poorly understood1,2 and it has not been clear how the algae are modified to remain in association, virtually ceasing to grow and yet fixing N2 at high rates. We report here that in the lichen genus Peltigera morphological, physiological and biochemical modifications of the algae may all be involved in this process.

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STEWART, W., ROWELL, P. Modifications of nitrogen-fixing algae in lichen symbioses. Nature 265, 371–372 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/265371a0

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