Basidiocarps

Definition

Basidiocarps are the fruiting bodies of basidiomycete fungi, responsible for producing and dispersing spores. They often appear as mushrooms, brackets, or puffballs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Basidiocarps are structures where sexual spores called basidiospores are produced.
2. They consist of a cap (pileus), stalk (stipe), and gills or pores on the underside of the cap.
3. Basidiocarps can be found in various habitats including forests, grasslands, and gardens.
4. The development of basidiocarps is influenced by environmental factors such as humidity and temperature.
5. Many edible mushrooms are actually basidiocarps, but some can be toxic or hallucinogenic.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of a basidiocarp in fungi?
• Describe the basic structure of a typical basidiocarp.
• How do environmental conditions affect the formation of basidiocarps?

Related terms

Basidium: A microscopic spore-producing structure found on the gills or pores of basidiomycete fungi.

Mycelium:

The vegetative part of a fungus consisting of a network of fine white filaments (hyphae).

Hyphae:

Long, branching filamentous structures that make up the mycelium of a fungus.