Question

Discuss the type of reproduction in kingdom Mycota with examples.

Answer 1

Hint: Kingdom Mycota is commonly known as the Kingdom Fungi. Fungi reproduce by several asexual and sexual means. This is because they have the means for asexual reproduction as well as the organs for sexual reproduction.

Complete answer:
Reproduction in Fungi –
1. Asexual reproduction in Fungi – Fungi reproduce asexually by the following three methods. These methods are as follows:
a. Fragmentation – New Fungi develop from the fragments of the older fungi having a nucleus. It is seen in the Filamentous forms. Examples – Alternaria, Aspergillus, etc.
b. Budding – Unicellular forms develop by budding also. In sugar solutions, chain budding is also seen. Examples – Yeast
c. Spore formation – Fungi form various kinds of spores for the process of reproduction. These spores are usually formed within their respective sporangium. The different types of spores are zoospores, sporangiospores, and conidia. Examples – Saprolegnia (Zoospores), Rhizopus (Sporangiospores), Penicillium (Conidiophores), etc.
2. Sexual reproduction in Fungi – Fungi reproduce sexually by the following three methods. These methods are as follows:
a. Gametic Copulation – Gametes are released from their respective gametangium and then they get fused. Example – Synchytrium, Pythium, Albugo, etc.
b. Gametangial Contact – Gametangia fuse with the help of a fertilization tube that develops from the male gametangia to the female gametangia. Examples – Claviceps, Neurospora, Morels, etc.
c. Gametangial Copulation – The male and female gametangia fuse directly to form the zygospore. Examples – Rhizopus, Mucor, etc.

Note: Sexual reproduction in Fungi takes place in three stages. These three stages are as follows:
1. Plasmogamy – Fusion of the cytoplasm of the male and female gametes.
2. Karyogamy – Fusion of the nuclei of the male and female gametes.
3. Meiosis – Development of four daughter cells from one zygote.