Basidia

Definition

Basidia are specialized spore-producing cells found in Basidiomycota, a major division of fungi. They typically bear external spores called basidiospores.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Basidia are the defining characteristic of the fungal division Basidiomycota.
2. Each basidium usually produces four basidiospores.
3. Basidia can be found on large fruiting bodies like mushrooms, puffballs, and bracket fungi.
4. The process of spore release from basidia is often facilitated by a mechanism involving turgor pressure.
5. Basidial development and spore production occur through meiosis, resulting in haploid spores.

Review Questions

• What type of spores are produced by basidia?
• How many basidiospores does a typical basidium produce?
• In which major fungal division are basidia found?

Related terms

Basidiomycota:

A division of fungi characterized by the production of sexual spores on basidia.

Basidiospore: A sexually produced spore formed on the outside of a basidium.

Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, occurring during the formation of gametes and spores.