Lichen Biology

ISBN-13: 9780521692168 / Angielski / Miękka / 2008 / 502 str.

Thomas Nash

Opis

Lichens are symbiotic organisms in which fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria form an intimate biological union. This diverse group is found in almost all terrestrial habitats from the tropics to polar regions. In this second edition, four completely new chapters cover recent developments in the study of these fascinating organisms, including lichen genetics and sexual reproduction, stress physiology and symbiosis, and the carbon economy and environmental role of lichens. The whole text has been fully updated, with chapters covering anatomical, morphological and developmental aspects; the contribution of the unique secondary metabolites produced by lichens to medicine and the pharmaceutical industry; patterns of lichen photosynthesis and respiration in relation to different environmental conditions; the role of lichens in nitrogen fixation and mineral cycling; and the use of lichens as indicators of air pollution. This is a valuable reference for both students and researchers interested in lichenology.

Recenzje

'This new edition is most welcome … a work all mycological (including lichenological) libraries should have available for consultation on their shelves.' Mycological Research

Spis treści

Preface T. H. Nash III; 1. Introduction T. H. Nash III; 2. Photobionts T. Friedl and B. Büdel; 3. Mycobionts R. Honegger; 4. Thallus morphology and anatomy B. Büdel and C. Scheidegger; 5. Morphogenesis R. Honegger; 6. Sexual reproduction in lichen-forming ascomycetes R. Honegger and S. Scherrer; 7. Biochemistry and secondary metabolites J. A. Elix and E. Stocker-Wörgötter; 8. Stress physiology and the symbiosis R. P. Beckett, I. Kranner and F. V. Minibayeva; 9. Physiological ecology of carbon dioxide exchange T. G. A. Green, T. H. Nash III and O. L. Lange; 10. The carbon economy of lichens K. Palmqvist, L. Dahlman, A. Jonsson and T. H. Nash III; 11. Nitrogen, its metabolism and potential contribution to ecosystems T. H. Nash III; 12. Nutrients, elemental accumulation and mineral cycling T. H. Nash III; 13. Individuals and populations of lichens D. Fahselt; 14. Environmental role of lichens M. R. D. Seaward; 15. Lichen sensitivity to air pollution T. H. Nash III; 16. Lichen biogeography D. J. Galloway; 17. Systematics of lichenized fungi A. Tehler and M. Wedin; Appendix. Culture methods for lichens and lichen symbionts E. Stocker-Wörgötter and A. Hager; References; Index.