Gilled

Gilled

File:Gilled mushroom.jpg

A gilled mushroom

Gilled refers to the presence of gills, which are structures found in various organisms, primarily in fungi and fish. Gills serve different functions depending on the organism in which they are found.

In Fungi

In fungi, gills are the thin, papery structures that hang vertically under the cap of a mushroom. These gills are crucial for the reproductive process of the fungus, as they house the spores that are released for reproduction. The gills increase the surface area for spore production, allowing for a greater number of spores to be produced and dispersed.

Types of Gills

There are several types of gills found in fungi:

• Free gills: These do not attach to the stipe (stem) of the mushroom.
• Attached gills: These are directly attached to the stipe.
• Decurrent gills: These run down the stipe.
• Adnate gills: These are broadly attached to the stipe.

In Fish

In fish, gills are the respiratory organs that allow them to extract oxygen from water. Fish gills are located on either side of the pharynx and are composed of gill filaments and gill rakers. The gill filaments are covered in tiny structures called lamellae, which increase the surface area for gas exchange.

Function of Fish Gills

The primary function of fish gills is to facilitate the exchange of gases. Water flows over the gill filaments, and oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide is expelled. This process is essential for the survival of fish in aquatic environments.

Related Pages

• Mushroom
• Fungus
• Spore
• Stipe
• Pharynx
• Lamellae