Laura Smith
Mushrooms are neither animals nor plants, but belong to the fungi kingdom. They reproduce in two ways: sexually and asexually, depending on their species. Fungi don't have sexes, but instead have multiple mating types, and only cells of different mating types can combine to reproduce. In sexual reproduction, a fungal cell called a hypha fuses with another hypha to form a new mushroom. In asexual reproduction, a single hypha can produce offspring in the form of biologically identical spores. Mushrooms can also reproduce with the help of insects, which disperse their spores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of reproduction | Sexual, asexual |
| Types of fungi | Teleomorphs, anamorphs, holomorphs |
| Mating types | Positive, negative, bipolar, tetrapolar |
| Number of sexes | 2, 4, or even 23,328 distinct sexes |
| Mating process | Nuclear exchange, nuclear migration, cell fusion |
| Compatibility | Only compatible with different mating types |
| Offspring | Spores, genetically identical in asexual reproduction |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms have positive and negative mating types
Mushrooms, belonging to the fungi kingdom, are neither animals nor plants. They reproduce in two ways: sexually and asexually, depending on their species. Fungi that reproduce only sexually are called teleomorphs, while those that reproduce only asexually are called anamorphs or imperfect fungi. Perfect fungi, or holomorphs, can do both.
Mushrooms have positive (pos) and negative (neg) mating types. There is no visible difference between pos and neg hyphae, but each requires the other for reproduction. The mating types are determined by a combination of A and B alleles, or mating-type genes, which are controlled by multiple genes at different locations on their chromosomes. These mating types are distinct from each other, and the presence of opposite mating types is necessary for successful sexual reproduction.
In sexual reproduction, a fungal cell called a hypha fuses with another hypha to form a new mushroom. The two haploid nuclei join to form a single diploid nucleus, similar to the union of egg and sperm cells. The resulting fertilized" diploid cells divide into haploid cells that are packaged into little shells and released into the world as spores. These spores then disperse and grow into new mushrooms when they find suitable conditions.
Asexual reproduction, on the other hand, is a faster process that only requires one adult hypha. It involves the production of biologically identical spores, which are adapted to specific environments. While asexual reproduction ensures rapid propagation, it does not allow for genetic variations, making the offspring prone to diseases and less adaptable to changing environments.
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They reproduce sexually and asexually
Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom and reproduce in two ways: sexually and asexually.
Sexual Reproduction
Mushrooms reproduce sexually through the fusion of fungal cells called hyphae (often called mycelium). This process is similar to the union of egg and sperm cells, but mushrooms can do this millions of times simultaneously. The "fertilized" diploid cells divide into haploid cells packaged into little shells, which are released as spores. These spores are dispersed and can grow into new mushrooms if they find suitable conditions.
Mushrooms have positive (pos) and negative (neg) mating types, or sexes, and require their opposite for reproduction. These mating types are determined by multiple genes at different locations in their chromosomes. Each gene can have multiple alleles, and the combination of these alleles determines the "specificity" or sexual identity of the mushroom. Only mushrooms with different mating types are compatible and can initiate the mating process.
Asexual Reproduction
In asexual reproduction, a single adult hypha can produce biologically identical spores, which are clones of the parent. This process is faster and requires only one adult. However, it does not allow for genetic variations, limiting the offspring's adaptability to different environments and making them prone to diseases.
Mushrooms typically use asexual reproduction when the environment becomes less favorable, usually at the end of the growing season. By producing a large number of spores, they increase the chances of survival for their offspring.
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Fungi have multiple mating types
Mating in fungi is a complex process governed by mating types. Fungi have multiple mating types, and they can reproduce sexually or asexually. The terms "male" and "female" do not apply to the fungal kingdom as most fungi that reproduce sexually are isogamous. Homothallic species can self-mate, while heterothallic species require opposite mating types to reproduce. Fungi that reproduce sexually are called teleomorphs, while those that reproduce asexually are called anamorphs or imperfect fungi.
Fungi that can reproduce both sexually and asexually are called holomorphs, and about a third of fungal species can use more than one method of reproduction. Fungi that reproduce sexually have a fungal cell called a hypha that fuses with another hypha to form a new mushroom. In asexual reproduction, fungi replicate themselves through budding or forming a new part of their body, which breaks off and takes root on its own. This is also known as the vegetative method.
The mating types of fungi are determined by two genetically unlinked loci, termed A and B, or b and a. One locus is multiallelic and contains genes for homeodomain transcription factors, which form heterodimers. The activation of target genes is dependent on heterodimers formed from the monomeric transcription factor proteins originating from different alleles of this genetic locus. The interactions between the two monomeric transcription factors and the activation of target genes by the heterodimeric proteins make this regulatory system complex.
Basidiomycetous fungi display thousands of different mating types. For example, the mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea has more than 240 A and B mating types, while Schizophyllum commune has more than 339 A mating types and 64 B mating types. These multi-allelic systems favor outcrossing in Basidiomycota. The huge number of mating types generated by these systems increases the chance of encountering a compatible partner in nature.
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Heterothallism is the most common mating system
Mushrooms, like most plants, reproduce both sexually and asexually. Fungi that reproduce sexually are called teleomorphs, while those that reproduce asexually are called anamorphs or imperfect fungi. Perfect fungi, or holomorphs, can do both.
The mating types in heterothallic fungi are determined by two unlinked mating loci, termed A and B (or b and a), which can be multiallelic. The combination of A and B (or b and a) alleles, termed mating type, determines the "specificity" or sexual identity of the individual harboring them. Only individuals with different mating types are compatible with each other and therefore able to mate. A successful mating interaction begins with nuclear exchange and nuclear migration, resulting in the formation of dikaryotic hyphae (containing separate haploid nuclei from both initial parents). Dikaryotic hyphae, under the appropriate environmental conditions, will give rise to the fruiting body, which contains the basidia – specialized cells in which sexual recombination occurs.
Mushrooms are heterotrophic decomposers, meaning they cannot make their own food. They must ingest organic molecules by "eating" dead organisms. A single fungal filament called a hypha emerges from the spore capsule and begins to eat. As time passes, the single hypha will branch out into many "hyphae" that closely resemble the root system of a plant. Each cell in the mushroom has two separate nuclei, but only the special cells lining the gills on the underside of the mushroom's cap are responsible for reproduction. Inside little sac-like structures, the two haploid nuclei join into a single diploid nucleus. This is the same basic process as the union of egg and sperm cells, but it can occur millions of times simultaneously. The "fertilized" diploid cells divide again into haploid cells that are packaged into little shells and released into the world as spores.
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Homothallic species can self-mate
Mushrooms are the fleshy fruits of fungi that grow on soil, rotting wood, or any suitable surface where they find nourishment. They reproduce in two ways: sexually and asexually, depending on their species. Fungi that reproduce sexually are called teleomorphs, while those that reproduce asexually are called anamorphs or imperfect fungi. Perfect fungi, or holomorphs, can do both.
Heterothallism, on the other hand, is a relatively simple and well-understood mating system where only isolates of opposite mating types can mate. It is the most common mating system in Basidiomycota and Agaricomycotina, with about 90% of species being heterothallic. In heterothallic species, the mating process involves the transfer of a nucleus from one cell to another, resulting in the formation of dikaryotic hyphae, which eventually give rise to a fruiting body.
The ability of some fungal species to reproduce both sexually and asexually provides them with reproductive plasticity. They can choose to outcross or inbreed depending on the environmental conditions they face. Asexual reproduction is faster and more efficient, but it does not allow for genetic variation, making the offspring less adaptable to changing environments. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, produces genetic variations, increasing the chances of survival in challenging conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms do mate. They reproduce both sexually and asexually, depending on their species.
Mushrooms have positive (pos) and negative (neg) mating types. Each requires the presence of its opposite for reproduction to be possible. In sexual reproduction, a fungal cell called a hypha fuses with another hypha to form a new mushroom.
Mushrooms have two or more mating types. The mating types are determined by multiple genes at different locations on their chromosomes. These genes control what "sex" they are and regulate spore formation and other things related to sex structure.
In asexual reproduction, a single hypha can produce offspring in the form of biologically identical spores. The adult produces them quickly and in large quantities so that more of them have a chance to survive.
