Isogamy
Isogamy is a form of sexual reproduction that involves gametes of similar morphology (similar size and shape), differing in general only in allele expression in one or more mating-type regions. Because both gametes look alike, they cannot be classified as male or female. Instead, organisms undergoing isogamy are said to have different mating types, most commonly noted as "+" and "-" strains, although in some species there are more than two mating types (for example, eight in the fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
Types of Isogamy[edit | edit source]
There are several types of isogamy. Both unicellular and multicellular organisms can reproduce in this manner. The different types of isogamy include:
- Plasmogamy Isogamy: This is a form of isogamy that involves the fusion of cytoplasm. It is common in fungi and algae.
- Karyogamy Isogamy: This type of isogamy involves the fusion of nuclei. It is also common in fungi and algae.
Isogamy in Algae[edit | edit source]
In algae, isogamy is common. The gametes produced by algae may have flagella and are free-swimming or they may be non-motile. Algae that produce motile gametes are called Phaeophyceae and those that produce non-motile gametes are called Rhodophyceae.
Isogamy in Fungi[edit | edit source]
In fungi, isogamy occurs with the fusion of two morphologically similar gametes. This can occur in two ways:
- Plasmogamy: This is the fusion of the cytoplasm of two parent mycelia.
- Karyogamy: This is the fusion of two nuclei.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Isogamy Resources | |
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