Question

Lichen that yields antibiotic is?
A) Ampicillin
B) Oxacillin
C) Both (a) and (b)
D) Tetracycline

Answer 1

Hint: An Antibiotic is a medicine that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms. To treat or prevent some types of bacterial infections, antibiotics are used. But they are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Some lichens also produce semisynthetic antibiotics.
Complete step-by-step answer:
Lichens are symbiotic associations i.e., mutually useful associations, between algae and fungi. The algal component is called phycobiont and the fungal component is mycobiont, which is autotrophic and heterotrophic, respectively.
Algae prepare food for fungi and fungi provide shelter and absorb mineral nutrients and water for their partner. So close is their association that if one saw a lichen one would never imagine that they had two different organisms within them. Lichens are very good pollution indicators i.e., they do not grow in polluted areas.
Antibiotics should only be prescribed to treat health problems: that are not serious but are likely to clear up without antibiotics –such as acne.
Antibiotic produced by lichen is Ampicillin and oxacillin. These are modified antibiotics and are also known as semisynthetic antibiotics. Semisynthetic antibiotics are derivatives of natural antibiotics with slightly different but advantageous characteristics. For example, they can act against bacteria that are resistant to the original compound, have a greater spectrum of activity, or cause fewer side effects.

Therefore the correct answer is Option C.
Note: More than 50% of the lichen species have antibiotic properties, the antibiotic effects are based on lichen substances of which the most effective are usnic acid, as well as orcinol-type depsides and depsidones. And lichen show antibiotic, antitumor, and antimutagenic properties.