Question

What characteristic distinguishes basidiomycetes from other fungi?

1) Presence of basidia
2) Formation of spores through meiosis
3) Production of basidiospores
4) Presence of septate hyphae

Answer 1

Basidiomycetes, also known as club fungi, are distinguished by their club-shaped fruiting bodies, basidia, where karyogamy and meiosis occur to form basidiospores(option 1).

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic that distinguishes basidiomycetes from other fungi is the presence of basidia. Basidia are the club-shaped fruiting bodies in which karyogamy occurs, followed by meiosis to produce four haploid nuclei. These nuclei migrate into extensions that protrude from the basidium, becoming basidiospores. The basidiospores are then released, and when they germinate, they form new haploid hyphae.

Basidiomycetes go through a life cycle that includes both haploid and binucleate mycelia, with the binucleate phase being dominant. These fungi are also known for their familiar structures such as mushrooms, with edible forms like the meadow mushroom Agricus campestris, and hazardous ones like the death cap Amanita phalloides.

Hence, the answer is option 1.