There exists a close association between the alga and the fungus within a lichen. The fungus

Lichen is a symbiotic association between a fungus and an algae (green alga or blue green alga). The algal partner of lichen is called as phycobiont while fungal partner is termed as mycobiont. Lichen develops into a unique morphological form which is quite distinct from either partner. The fungal partner of lichen helps in the absorption of water and mineral to algal partner additionally it also provides protection and anchorage to algal partner of lichen. In exchange of this, the fungal partner absorbs prepared food material from algal partner. This food material is prepared by the algal partner of lichen through the process of photosynthesis.