Basidiospores

Definition

Basidiospores are reproductive spores produced by Basidiomycete fungi. They are typically formed on specialized cells called basidia during the sexual reproduction phase.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Basidiospores are typically four per basidium.
2. They are dispersed through various mechanisms, including wind and water.
3. Basidiospores play a crucial role in the life cycle of mushrooms and other Basidiomycete fungi.
4. They usually germinate to form haploid mycelium, which can later undergo plasmogamy to begin the sexual cycle anew.
5. Basidiospores have diverse shapes and sizes depending on the species of fungi.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of basidiospores in Basidiomycete fungi?
• How many basidiospores are typically produced per basidium?
• What mechanisms do Basidiomycetes use to disperse their basidiospores?

Related terms

Basidium: A specialized fungal cell where karyogamy and meiosis occur, producing basidiospores.

Haploid Mycelium: The thread-like structure that forms from a germinating spore and consists of cells with a single set of chromosomes.

Plasmogamy: The fusion of cytoplasm from two different fungal cells, leading to the formation of dikaryotic cells.