Why is the algal part of lichen considered alive, while mitochondria isn't?

Subject: Why is the algal part of lichen considered alive, while mitochondria isn't?

Date: Fri Sep 3 13:47:44 2004
Posted by Roopa
Grade level: 10-12 School: No school entered.
City: No city entered. State/Province: No state entered. Country: No country entered.
Area of science: General Biology
ID: 1094237264.Gb

Message:


Mitochondria is supposedly not alive. The reason that it is not alive, 
according to various resources, is because it cannot reproduce by itself. 
However, in lichen for example, the fungal part provides reproductive 
structures for the algal part. The algae cannot reproduce without the fungus' 
help. Likewise, mitochondria cannot reproduce without the nucleus' help. What 
is the difference between these two situations; how come mitochondria is not 
considered alive?

Re: Why is the algal part of lichen considered alive, while mitochondria isn't?

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