Isogamy

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD