Isogamy

Isogamy is a form of sexual reproduction that involves gametes of similar morphology (similar size and shape), differing in general only in allele expression in one or more mating-type regions. Because both gametes look alike, they cannot be classified as male or female. Instead, organisms undergoing isogamy are said to have different mating types, most commonly noted as "+" and "-" strains, although in some species there are more than two mating types (for example, eight in the fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

Types of Isogamy

There are several types of isogamy. Both unicellular and multicellular organisms can reproduce in this manner. The different types of isogamy include:

• Plasmogamy Isogamy: This is a form of isogamy that involves the fusion of cytoplasm. It is common in fungi and algae.
• Karyogamy Isogamy: This type of isogamy involves the fusion of nuclei. It is also common in fungi and algae.

Isogamy in Algae

In algae, isogamy is common. The gametes produced by algae may have flagella and are free-swimming or they may be non-motile. Algae that produce motile gametes are called Phaeophyceae and those that produce non-motile gametes are called Rhodophyceae.

Isogamy in Fungi

In fungi, isogamy occurs with the fusion of two morphologically similar gametes. This can occur in two ways:

• Plasmogamy: This is the fusion of the cytoplasm of two parent mycelia.
• Karyogamy: This is the fusion of two nuclei.

See Also

• Anisogamy
• Oogamy

References

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