Taxonomic study of the crustose lichen Porpidia was performed in this paper. Three species are described, including two recorded species and one new record: Porpidia macrocarpa (DC.) Hertel & A. J. Schwab. A description of each species is presented along with morphological, anatomic, and chemical characteristics. A key to the identification of species of Porpidia is also presented.

'Large' and 'small' fractions of laccase were found in the thalli of lichens Solorina crocea and Peltigera aphthosa. In both lichens, 'large', possibly dimeric, laccases were determined as 175 and 165 kDa (based on the gel filtration data), and 'small' ones were 76 and 97 kDa (according to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis data), respectively. By their substrate specific...

Fungal secondary compounds and total extracts are known to affect growth of bacteria, fungi, and plants. This study tested the effects of purified compounds and total extracts from three lichens on the growth of two plant pathogens, Ophiostoma novo-ulmi ssp. americana and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Usnic acid showed no reduction in relative growth rates (RGR), whereas vulpinic acid reduced RGR f...

What is it? • Usnic acid is a complex polycyclic chemical compound produced naturally by certain lichens species. • Lichens containing usnic acid have been used as traditional medicines and crude drugs in other countries. • Usnic acid as a pure substance has been formulated in creams, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants and sunscreen products, either as an active principle or a preservative. FDA ...

In the presented study, we describe techniques for glutathione and pigment determination in lichens used in our laboratory. Glutathione and xanthophyll cycle pigments, especially zeaxanthin, are important antioxidants protecting plants against various stresses. In our laboratory, the high light stress in lichens has been intensively studied for several years. We extract glutathione in HCl and d...

The effectiveness of lichens in degrading their rock substrates, leading to the first stages in the formation of soil, has long been discussed and opinions have varied widely (Jones, 1988; Syers & lskandar, 1973). Nevertheless, it is generally recognized that lichen encrusted rocks provide an ideal environment for studying the biological weathering of minerals since, unlike the situation in soi...

Lichens are rich in nutrients and biologically active compounds that belong to different chemical classes. The abilities of members have encouraged researchers investigate further applications these fields other than the food acnd pharmaceutical industries. In this review, some unusual current potential described.

Silicified dolomite of the approximately one billion year old Skillogalee Dolomite of the Adelaide Geosyncline, South Australia, contains organically preserved microfossils of a structurally complex, crustose pleurocapsalean cyanophyte, herein described as Paleopleurocapsa wopfnerii. Although actual cell contents have been degraded, lamellar sheath material faithfully preserves the morphology o...