Chapter 20, Problem 16A

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The differences between the vocabulary terms in basidiocarp and basidia.

Introduction:

Fungi are classified or divided by their structure and patterns of reproduction. Some fungi only can reproduce asexually through mitosis. Asexual reproduction in fungi also includes budding, fragmentation, and spore production. Many fungi can show asexual and sexual reproduction. Sexually reproducing fungi produces spores by the process of meiosis.

Explanation of Solution

Basidiomycetes rarely produce asexual spores. They spend most of their life cycle with two nuclei in each. A basidiocarp forms when the mycelium periodically done sexual reproduction. Basidiocarp is a fruiting body. Basidiocarps can grow very rapidly. Due to cell enlargement, sometimes they can fully grow in a few hours or overnight. The underside of the cap is composed of basidia. Basidia are club-shaped hyphae that produce spores.

Conclusion

Thus, the basidiocarp is a fruiting body and basidia are spore reproducing hyphae of basidiomycetes.