Fruiting bodies
Fruiting bodies are the reproductive structures produced by fungi. They are complex, multicellular structures that are formed to protect and disperse the spores of the fungus. Fruiting bodies are a key feature of many types of fungi, including both mushrooms and molds.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Fruiting bodies can take on a wide variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the species of fungus. They can range from simple, single-celled structures to complex, multicellular structures. The structure of a fruiting body is typically designed to aid in the dispersal of spores. For example, the cap of a mushroom is a type of fruiting body that is designed to protect the spores and aid in their dispersal.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of fruiting bodies is to produce and disperse spores. Spores are the reproductive cells of fungi, and they are typically produced in large numbers within the fruiting body. Once the spores are mature, they are released from the fruiting body and dispersed into the environment. This can occur in a variety of ways, depending on the structure of the fruiting body and the species of fungus. For example, some fungi release their spores into the air, where they can be carried by the wind to new locations. Other fungi release their spores into water, where they can be carried by currents to new locations.
Types of Fruiting Bodies[edit | edit source]
There are many different types of fruiting bodies, each with its own unique structure and method of spore dispersal. Some of the most common types include:
- Mushrooms: These are the most familiar type of fruiting body. They have a cap and a stem, and they produce their spores on the underside of the cap.
- Puffballs: These are round, ball-like fruiting bodies that release their spores when they are disturbed.
- Cup Fungi: These fruiting bodies are shaped like cups or saucers, and they release their spores from the inner surface of the cup.
- Stinkhorns: These fruiting bodies have a unique, often unpleasant smell that attracts insects. The insects then help to disperse the spores.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This mycology-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
