Basidiospore

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A basidiospore is a reproductive spore produced by Basidiomycete fungi. Basidiospores attach to the end of a structure called a basidium.

• In many species, there are four basidiospores on each basidium, produced sexually or asexually. The basidium will eventually launch the basidiospores into the wind.

[edit] Ballistospores

Ballistospores are spores which are forcably ejected from a fungus. The propelled basidiospores are a type of ballistospore. Ballistospores are considered to be an early evolution in Basidiomycota. This is due to them appearing in groups that diverged early in the evolutionary history of the division.

[edit] Other Basidiospores

Some Basidiomycetes don't employ the ballistospore method of discharge.

This is usually found in aquatic species and gastromycetes like puffballs or truffels, which have dropped ballistospore dispersal in favor of other methods.

[edit] References

• Tree of Life: Basidiomycota