Reproduction in Fungi is both Sexual and Asexial

Fungi have both asexual and sexual reproduction methods. Asexual reproduction takes place through spores, conidia, fragmentation, and budding.

Spores are produced in large numbers, dispersed by wind, and can germinate into new fungal hyphae.

 

Conidia are non-motile, asexual spores present at the tip of modified hyphae.

 

Fragmentation occurs when mycelium breaks into pieces and each fragment grows into a new mycelium.

 

Budding is a tiny outgrowth which may separate and grow, seen in yeasts.

 

Sexual reproduction varies in different groups of fungi. It involves fusion of haploid nuclei and meiosis. During sexual reproduction, genetically different but compatible mating types of hyphae come together and their cytoplasm fuse followed by nuclear division. Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes have different processes of nuclear fusion, leading to the formation of different types of haploid sexual spores such as basidiospores and ascospores.

Budding in Yeast