Final answer:
Despite a mutation preventing the production of a minus mating type, a fungus can still reproduce asexually through spore division. This adaptation allows survival under different environmental conditions, ensuring the continuity of the fungal species.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a mutation occurs in a fungus making it incapable of producing a minus mating type, it is still able to reproduce. The fungus can achieve this through asexual reproduction by mitosis, where the spores can divide and grow independently of sexual reproduction processes.
Fungi have the ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually, enabling them to adapt to various environmental conditions. In sexually reproducing fungi, the presence of both plus and minus mating types is necessary for sexual reproduction. However, if the minus mating type is not available due to a mutation, the fungus is not left without options. It can resort to asexual reproduction, producing spores that can grow into new fungus individuals without the need for a mating type.
Fungi are known to use asexual reproduction in stable conditions or in response to adverse conditions if sexual reproduction is not possible. This reflects the flexibility in their reproductive strategies to ensure survival even when mutations occur that could impact sexual reproduction.