Basidia

Definition

Basidia are specialized reproductive structures found in Basidiomycota fungi, responsible for producing basidiospores. They typically develop on the gills of mushrooms and other basidiomycete fruiting bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Basidia are club-shaped cells that produce four basidiospores each.
2. They undergo meiosis to form haploid spores from diploid precursor cells.
3. Basidia can be found in various forms like single or clustered on the gills, pores, or surface of fungi.
4. The presence of basidia is a key feature distinguishing Basidiomycota from other fungal groups like Ascomycota.
5. The development and maturation of basidia are crucial for the sexual reproduction cycle in Basidiomycota fungi.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of basidia in Basidiomycota fungi?
• How many basidiospores does a typical basidium produce?
• In what ways do basidia contribute to the lifecycle and reproduction of Basidiomycota?

Related terms

Basidiospore: A spore produced by basidia during sexual reproduction in Basidiomycota.

Gills (Lamellae): Thin, often plate-like structures beneath the cap of a mushroom where basidia are located.

Basidiocarp: The fruiting body of Basidiomycota fungi where basidia are formed and spores are released.