Lichesterol
Lichesterol (Fig. 29) or Ergosta-5,8,22-trien-3β-ol has been isolated and characterized in lichens Usnea longissima, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria scrobiculata [94],
and Ramalina africana [95].
Carotenoids
These linear molecules with multiple conjugated double bonds are found in all
photosynthetic organisms. They are products of primary (intracellular) metabolism
such as proteins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and vitamins. Carotenoids are
products of both symbionts – fungi and algae.
In lichens with green algae photobionts following carotenoids are usually present
β-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, and neoxanthin [96,
97]. In lichens with cyanobacterial photobionts occur mainly β -carotene, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and echinenone.
b-Carotene
β-Carotene (Fig. 30) is a pigment frequently found in lichen thalli, which has been
analyzed using different methods. Czeczuga et al. [98] investigated in ten lichen
Fig. 28 Ergosterol structure (Physcia stellaris)
Fig. 27 Brassicasterol (Xanthoria parietina)
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M. Goga et al.
Lichesterol (Fig. 29) or Ergosta-5,8,22-trien-3β-ol has been isolated and characterized in lichens Usnea longissima, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria scrobiculata [94],
and Ramalina africana [95].
Carotenoids
These linear molecules with multiple conjugated double bonds are found in all
photosynthetic organisms. They are products of primary (intracellular) metabolism
such as proteins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and vitamins. Carotenoids are
products of both symbionts – fungi and algae.
In lichens with green algae photobionts following carotenoids are usually present
β-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, and neoxanthin [96,
97]. In lichens with cyanobacterial photobionts occur mainly β -carotene, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and echinenone.
b-Carotene
β-Carotene (Fig. 30) is a pigment frequently found in lichen thalli, which has been
analyzed using different methods. Czeczuga et al. [98] investigated in ten lichen
Fig. 28 Ergosterol structure (Physcia stellaris)
Fig. 27 Brassicasterol (Xanthoria parietina)
198
M. Goga et al.