Question

Differentiate between ascus and basidium

Answer 1

Hint: Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes are two major phyla of the kingdom Fungi. Both of these reproduce by means of spores. The Ascomycetes produce spores through sac shaped cells called Ascus. On the other hand, Basidiomycetes produce spores through a club-shaped sac called Basidium.

Complete answer: Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes are two macrofungi that form large fruiting bodies visible with naked eyes. Both of the fungi reproduce sexually by means of spores. The spores act as mediators for the propagation of these two species. The spores are formed by specialized structures called sporophores. Ascomycetes bear sac-shaped structures that are responsible for spore release. These are called ascus spores and are produced internally. In basidiomycetes, the spore-producing structures are club-shaped and are called basidia. The basidium produces spores externally.

Difference between ascus and basidium:

Ascus	Basidium
The ascus is a sac-like structure that bears reproductive cells. These cells produce sexual spores.	Basidium is a club-shaped structure having sexual cells that produce sexual spores.
The sexual cells produced are called Ascospores.	The sexual spores produced are called basidiospores.
The ascus is a reproductive structure and is characteristic of Ascomycetes.	Basidium is a sexual reproductive structure and is characteristic of Basidiomycetes.
Ascospores are produced internally in the ascus.	Basidiospores are produced externally in Basidium.
An ascus produces eight ascospores.	A basidium produces four basidiospores.
The ascus develops within the mycelia mat. The mycelia mat lies below the surface. Thus, ascospores are produced internally.	The basidia bear narrow prong structures known as sterigmata. The sterigmata has a structure called sterigma at their tip. The sterigma bears basidiospores.
Common species in ascomycetes are Aspergillus and Penicillium.	Common species of Basidiomycetes are Agaricus and Pleurotus.

Note: Ascomycete is a large phylum consisting of 44,000 species. The Basidiomycetes is also a large phylum consisting of 25,000 species. Both these species are found growing over dead and decaying matter. They are the key decomposers of the Earth. Also, these species have many medicinal properties.