Fig. 6: Graphical model of the tripartite interaction of S. iranensis, A. nidulans, and C. reinhardtii.

S. iranensis produces algicidal azalomycin F and releases it in presence of C. reinhardtii. As a counter measure, C. reinhardtii is attracted by A. nidulans and takes shelter in its mycelium. A. nidulans provides a high surface to azalomycin F and sequesters the compound. This way less azalomycin F is accessible for C. reinhardtii and the alga is less affected by the compound.