Basidium
Basidium
Basidium (pronunciation: /bəˈsɪdiəm/) is a microscopic, spore-producing structure found in certain fungi, including mushrooms and toadstools. The term is derived from the Greek word 'basis', meaning 'base', and the suffix '-ium', used to denote a place or receptacle.
Etymology
The term 'basidium' was first used in the mid-19th century and is derived from the Greek word 'basis', which means 'base', and the Latin suffix '-ium', which is used to denote a place or receptacle. This is in reference to the structure's function as a base or platform for the production of spores.
Function
The primary function of the basidium is to produce spores. These spores, known as basidiospores, are produced externally on the basidium, typically at the end of specialized projections called sterigmata. The basidiospores are then dispersed into the environment, where they can germinate and grow into new fungal organisms.
Types of Basidia
There are several types of basidia, including:
- Clavate Basidia: These are club-shaped basidia that are common in many types of mushrooms.
- Cylindrical Basidia: These are elongated, tube-like basidia that are found in some species of rust fungi and smut fungi.
- Tunica Basidia: These are basidia that are covered by a protective layer or 'tunic'. They are found in certain species of puffballs and earthstars.
Related Terms
- Basidiomycota: This is a large division of the kingdom Fungi that includes organisms that produce spores on basidia.
- Basidiocarp: This is the fruiting body of a basidiomycete fungus, which contains the basidia.
- Basidiospore: This is a spore that is produced by a basidium.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Basidium
- Wikipedia's article - Basidium
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