Describe how a mushroom structure functions in launching basidiospores?

Question

botnsy related

Answer 1

The only structure all basidiospores have in common are the general way in which the spores are attached to mushroom. These involve long, narrow structures which aid in releasing the spores by virture of their fragility.

Outside of that, some basidiomycota (the ballistospores) actually propel their spores forcefully by means of ambient humidity. Though the spores themselves are microscopic, they've been observed to be projected as much as 1.5 mm. Most mushrooms that use this means therefore have projections of less than this size so as not to interfere with a spore's access to outside air.

Other basidiomycota use different means to spread spores once they're ripened. Puffballs rely on the drying action and force of the wind to break off and carry away spores from its interior. Gels tend to rely on insects and other animals to carry of spores by contact. There are probably as many different means of release and dispersal as there are habitats that such fungi can be found in.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Each basidiospore is attached to the main mushroom by a basidium - a small peg-like structure. Internal pressure builds up in the basidium. Eventually it gets to the point where the pressure ends up throwing the basidiospore through the mushroom gills, and out into the air. This prevents it from getting caught on the way out.

(See near the bottom of this page)
http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/wong/Bot135/Lect05_b.htm
http://pollen.utulsa.edu/Spores/basidiospores.html

Answer 3

A basidiospore is a spore produced by mushrooms of Fungi division Basidiomycota.