Fungi - Mould - Reproduction Flashcards
What grows upwards from the mycelium when it is well established on its food source?
A hypha
What does a hypha produce when it grows upwards from a mycelium?
A sporangium or conidia
What is a sporangium?
A round structure that contains spores
What is a conidia?
A chained structure made of unprotected spores
What happens when a sporangium is ripe?
It bursts to release spores into the environment
What happens when a conidia is ripe?
The conidia breaks away releasing spores into the environment
How are mould spores dispersed?
They are dispersed by air or water
What happens when a spore finds a suitable environment?
The asexual reproduction cycle begins again
What happens to a hypha in order for sexual reproduction to take place?
Two hypha grow towards each other
What happens when the dividing wall between two hyphae breaks down?
Fertilisation occurs and a zygospore develops
How is a zygospore formed?
Two hypha grow towards each together and then their dividing wall breaks down
Describe a zygospore.
2 points
Thick wall to protect the internal spores until conditions are favourable for growth
Can remain dormant for months
What happens when a zygospore finds favourable conditions?
The zygospore germinates and a hypha grows vertically to form a sporangium at its tip
