Phylum Basidiomycota

Phylum Basidiomycota

E.g. Agaricus campestris

Characteristics

1. The hyphae are septate and compacted/fused. This makes the basidiomycota to be more advanced compared to other phylum.
2. They reproduce sexually by basidiospores and asexual reproduction is not common.
3. They live on dead decaying organic matter/damp soils rich in organic matter.
4. They are saprophytes i.e. digestion is extra cellular.

Adaptation to mode of life

1. Have rhizomorphs for anchorage and act as perenating organ for vegetative propagation.
2. The rhizomorphs produce a variety of hydrolytic enzyme for extra cellular digestion as they are saprophytic. The walls are permeable to digested nutrients and water thus serving as an absorbing organelle.
3. The stipe also raises the pileus/cap well above the ground for easy dispersal of spores by the wind.
4. The cap protects the gills inside which the spores are protected.
5. They produce large number of basidiospores thus increasing chances of survival.