Basidiomycota
Basidiomycota
Basidiomycota (pronunciation: /bəˌsɪdi.oʊmaɪˈkoʊtə/) is a large and diverse phylum of the kingdom Fungi. The term derives from the Greek words 'basis' meaning 'base' and 'mykes' meaning 'fungus'.
Definition
Basidiomycota are fungi that produce spores on specialized cells called basidia. Most are multicellular organisms, although some are unicellular yeasts. They are found in various habitats and are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling.
Characteristics
Basidiomycota are characterized by a unique life cycle that includes a prolonged dikaryotic stage, in which two genetically different nuclei coexist in the same hyphal compartment. The production of sexual spores takes place in the basidia, which are often grouped into specialized fruiting bodies known as basidiocarps or mushrooms.
Classification
Basidiomycota is divided into three subphyla: Agaricomycotina, Pucciniomycotina, and Ustilaginomycotina. These subphyla are further divided into classes, orders, families, genera, and species.
Related Terms
- Mycology: The scientific study of fungi.
- Hypha: The branching filamentous structure of a fungus.
- Mycelium: The mass of hyphae that forms the vegetative part of a fungus.
- Spore: A reproductive unit capable of giving rise to a new individual without sexual fusion.
Etymology
The term "Basidiomycota" comes from the Greek words 'basis' meaning 'base' and 'mykes' meaning 'fungus', referring to the location of the spores on a pedestal or base-like structure, the basidium.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Basidiomycota
- Wikipedia's article - Basidiomycota
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