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Phylum Basidiomycota - Introduction
Phylum Basidiomycota - Introduction
The phylum Basidiomycota is a diverse group of fungi that includes saprophytic, mutualistic, and parasitic species. Members of this group play a central role in decomposition, particularly of plant litter, and are responsible for recycling nutrients in forest ecosystems. In some soils, basidiomycetes may account for up to two-thirds of the total biomass (excluding animals).
This phylum contains a remarkable diversity of forms, including mushrooms, puffballs, toadstools, bracket fungi, and several significant plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts that infect important grain crops and vegetables. Approximately 25,000 species have been described, with many more yet to be discovered.
Unique Characteristics
Unique Characteristics
A defining feature of this phylum is the production of basidia (singular: basidium), which are microscopic, club-shaped sexual reproductive cells. Each basidium typically produces four haploid spores—called basidiospores—through meiosis. A single mushroom can produce over a billion spores, enabling these fungi to spread widely.
Unlike many other fungal groups, asexual reproduction is relatively rare in Basidiomycota. Most species rely primarily on sexual reproduction to generate spores and maintain genetic diversity.
Body Plan and Growth
Body Plan and Growth
Like other fungi, Basidiomycota begin their life cycle when spores germinate and grow by mitosis, forming haploid hyphae. These hyphae are:
Septate, with pores in the crosswalls that allow cytoplasmic streaming between cells.
Surrounded by chitinous cell walls that provide rigidity and structure.
The hyphae form extensive mycelial mats, which serve as the primary structures for nutrient absorption. Mushrooms can grow extremely quickly—sometimes within a single day—because nutrients are rapidly transported through the interconnected mycelium to the developing basidiocarp (the fruiting body).
Diagram showing the external anatomy of a typical mushroom, including the cap, gills, scales, tubes, and the stipe (stalk). These structures play key roles in reproduction and protection.
Diagram illustrating the relationship between the fruiting body and the haploid mycelium beneath the soil. The basidia form on the gills of the fruiting body, where spores are produced and released.
Lab Activity: Identifying Structures on a Typical Mushroom
Lab Activity: Identifying Structures on a Typical Mushroom
Materials
Materials
Live mushroom specimen (if available)
Mushroom model (if available)
Dissecting microscope (optional)
Note: Do not consume any laboratory specimens.
Instructions
Instructions
Examine the mushroom specimen or model.
Identify the cap (pileus) and the stalk (stipe).
Turn the mushroom over and locate the gills (lamellae) underneath the cap.
Look for additional structures that may be present, such as the ring (annulus) or cup-like base (volva).
Observe how the gills radiate outward from the stalk.
Use the specimen or model to identify the structures referenced in the worksheet questions.
Clean Up
Clean Up
Return the specimen or model to the station.
Leave the station organized for the next group.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Reproduction and Life Cycle
When + and – mating type hyphae encounter each other, their terminal cells undergo plasmogamy (cytoplasmic fusion), producing dikaryotic cells containing two genetically distinct haploid nuclei. These dikaryotic hyphae continue to grow, forming the dominant stage of the life cycle.
Under the right environmental conditions, these dikaryotic hyphae aggregate to form basidiocarps (mushrooms, puffballs, bracket fungi, etc.). Within the basidiocarp, the terminal cells of the dikaryotic hyphae differentiate into basidia.
Inside each basidium:
Karyogamy (nuclear fusion) occurs, producing a single diploid nucleus—the only diploid stage in the life cycle.
This nucleus quickly undergoes meiosis, forming four haploid nuclei.
Each haploid nucleus migrates to the edge of the basidium, where it becomes enclosed in a chitinous wall, forming a basidiospore.
When released, basidiospores are dispersed by wind and germinate under favorable conditions, restarting the cycle.
This illustration shows the location of the basidia with basidiospores on the gills on the underside of the cap.
A microscopic view of a section through a gill. Each of the basidia contains 4 basidiospores although it may not show in the slide due to slide preparation.
A scanning electron micgrograph (SEM) of a basidium with its basidiospores. The basidiospores are formed through meiosis from the nuclei that fused through karyogamy in the basidium.
Lab Activity: Prepared Slide of Basidiomycete Gill
Lab Activity: Prepared Slide of Basidiomycete Gill
Materials
Materials
Prepared slide of basidiomycete gill with basidia and basidiospores
Compound microscope
Note: Handle slides carefully to prevent breakage.
Instructions
Instructions
Examine the prepared slide under the microscope.
Locate the gill tissue of the mushroom.
Look for the basidia, the club-shaped cells that produce spores.
Observe the basidiospores attached to the tips of the basidia.
Notice how many spores are typically associated with each basidium.
Use the slide to answer the worksheet questions related to basidia and spore production.
Clean Up
Clean Up
Return the prepared slide to its storage container.
Turn off the microscope and leave the workstation organized.
The “Humongous Fungus”
The “Humongous Fungus”
One of the most remarkable discoveries in mycology involves a single basidiomycete in Oregon’s Blue Mountains—nicknamed the “humongous fungus.” Genetic studies revealed that this one individual mycelium spans nearly 10 square kilometers of forest soil. It is estimated to be over 2,000 years old, having grown from a single spore and spread slowly via an interconnected network of hyphae. This makes it one of the largest and oldest known living organisms on Earth.
Ecological and Human Importance
Ecological and Human Importance
Basidiomycetes fulfill numerous roles in natural and human-influenced environments:
Decomposers – breaking down lignin, cellulose, and other tough plant materials.
Symbionts – forming mycorrhizal associations with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake.
Pathogens – including destructive species that cause crop diseases such as corn smut (Ustilago maydis) and wheat rust (Puccinia graminis).
Food and Poison – many mushrooms are edible, but others are among the most toxic organisms known.
For example, several species of Amanita, known as "destroying angels", contain potent toxins that block RNA polymerase in human cell nuclei, preventing RNA synthesis. Ingestion of even a single bite can be fatal, and there are no known antidotes. Because many edible and poisonous mushrooms appear very similar, mushroom foraging without expert training is extremely dangerous. As a rule: forage only in grocery stores unless you have extensive knowledge and experience.
Mushroom Toxins and Foraging Safety
Mushroom Toxins and Foraging Safety
While many basidiomycete mushrooms are edible and highly prized as food, others contain some of the most potent natural toxins known. Correct identification is often extremely difficult, and mistakes can be fatal.
Highly Toxic Groups
Destroying Angels (Amanita bisporigera, A. virosa, A. ocreata): Contain amatoxins, which block RNA polymerase in human cells, halting RNA synthesis and leading to liver and kidney failure.
Death Caps (Amanita phalloides): Responsible for the majority of mushroom-related fatalities worldwide; a single cap can be lethal.
Galerina species: Contain toxins similar to those in Amanita but are often small and overlooked.
Cortinarius species: Produce orellanine, a toxin that causes delayed kidney failure days after ingestion.
Why Identification Is Difficult
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes.
Color, size, and even habitat are not reliable indicators of edibility.
Folk tests (such as “if animals eat it, it’s safe” or “silver spoons won’t tarnish”) are myths and dangerous.
Safe Foraging Guidelines
Never eat wild mushrooms unless identified by an expert mycologist.
Do not rely on field guides alone—regional variations make identification difficult.
Avoid sampling unknown fungi; even small tastes can be dangerous.
For students and casual mushroom hunters: The safest place to forage mushrooms is the grocery store.
Medical Note
No universal antidote exists for mushroom poisoning.
If ingestion is suspected, seek immediate medical attention—time is critical for survival.
Morphological Categories of the Phylum Basidiomycota
Morphological Categories of the Phylum Basidiomycota
Historically, the morphology of the fruiting body was the primary basis for taxonomy within the phylum Basidiomycota. However, molecular data has revealed that appearance alone is not always a reliable indicator of evolutionary relationships. In many cases, distantly related groups share similar fruiting body forms due to convergent evolution.
Despite this, there are several distinctive morphological categories commonly used to describe basidiomycete fungi:
Club fungi
Shelf (or bracket) fungi
Puffballs
Stinkhorns
Additionally, some other unique forms exist, such as jelly fungi, rusts, and smuts, but their morphology and life cycles are more complex and will not be covered in this lab.
Unlike previous phyla you’ve studied—such as Zygomycota and Ascomycota—this lab focuses on the broad categories of form rather than individual species. This is because Basidiomycota is far more diverse than the other fungal groups, and no single species stands out as a representative example.
Finally, you are not responsible for memorizing the species names of any fungi presented in the following sections. The emphasis is on recognizing general forms and understanding their structural and reproductive features.
Observing a Club Fungi
Observing a Club Fungi
Technically, the term "club fungi" refers to all members of the phylum Basidiomycota, since they all produce club-shaped reproductive structures called basidia. However, not all basidiomycetes produce club-shaped fruiting bodies. Within the phylum, the club-shaped mushroom is simply the most common and recognizable form.
This stereotypical mushroom shape—a stalk supporting an umbrella-like cap—is so iconic that even young children often associate it with the word “mushroom.” Despite this recognizable structure, there is tremendous diversity in the size, color, and overall form of club fungi. Some species produce tiny delicate caps, while others form massive, robust fruiting bodies weighing several kilograms.
Many of the edible mushrooms familiar to humans—such as common grocery store varieties—belong to this form. However, many of the most poisonous mushrooms also share this same structure. Morphology alone is not a reliable guide to edibility or toxicity.
The examples shown below highlight just a small portion of the diversity found among club fungi.
The flowerpot parasol mushroom (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) is one of the most common of the club fungi because it is common for there to be spores of this in fertilizer. It often shows up in flowerpots, lawns, gardens and mulch.
The Green-spored Parasol (Chlorophyllum molybditis) is another common Texas resident in lawns. It is one of the larger mushrooms that you are likely to see in your lawn (they may be 4-6 inches in diameter).
The Ruby Bolete mushroom (Hortiboletus rubellus) is distinctive for its red coloration and is a common inhabitant of wooded and natural areas.
Fairy Rings
Fairy Rings
A fairy ring—also called a fairy circle, elf ring, or pixie ring—is a naturally occurring ring or arc of mushrooms, most commonly formed by members of the phylum Basidiomycota.
These formations are found primarily in forests but can also occur in grasslands, meadows, and rangelands. They form when a fungal mycelium grows outward in all directions from a central point beneath the soil. Over time, the center of the colony becomes depleted of nutrients, causing mushrooms (the sporocarps) to fruit only at the expanding outer edge, creating a visible ring.
Key features of fairy rings include:
A visible arc or ring of mushrooms.
A necrotic zone of dead or discolored grass inside the ring.
Sometimes a ring of dark green grass outside the mushrooms, where nutrients are released by fungal activity.
Fairy rings can grow to over 10 meters (33 ft) in diameter and may persist for hundreds of years as the underground mycelium continues expanding. One ring in France is estimated to be over 700 years old.
Folklore and Mythology
Fairy rings have been the subject of myth and superstition across many cultures, particularly in Western Europe:
In some traditions, they were viewed as dangerous places, linked to witchcraft or even the Devil.
In other tales, they symbolized good fortune and were believed to be portals to the fairy realm.
Even today, these formations capture scientific interest and cultural imagination alike.
Most of the time Fairy Rings are not evident as the mycelium continues to grow underground forming a circular mat that expands outward. When conditions are right then the fruiting bodies will shoot up around the edges of the mycelial mat forming the ring.
Lab Activity: Diversity of Club Fungi (Basidiomycota)
Lab Activity: Diversity of Club Fungi (Basidiomycota)
Materials
Materials
Assorted specimens or images of club fungi (mushrooms)
Note: Do not touch unknown wild mushrooms unless instructed.
Instructions
Instructions
Observe the specimens or images representing typical club fungi.
Compare the overall shape and size of the fruiting bodies.
Identify common features shared by these organisms, such as caps, stalks, and gills.
Notice differences in:
Cap shape
Color
Gill arrangement
Size of the fruiting body
Use your observations to answer the worksheet questions about variation within club fungi.
Clean Up
Clean Up
Return any specimens to the designated container.
Ensure images or reference materials remain at the station.
Observing a Shelf Fungi (Bracket Fungi / Polypores)
Observing a Shelf Fungi (Bracket Fungi / Polypores)
Bracket fungi, also known as polypores or shelf fungi, are a morphological group of fungi within the phylum Basidiomycota. These fungi are characterized by producing large, woody fruiting bodies called conks that often form shelf-like structures on the sides of trees, logs, or branches.
While bracket fungi are grouped together based on their appearance, molecular studies have shown that not all polypores are closely related. Some share similarities with gilled mushrooms, while others represent distinct evolutionary lineages.
Morphology and Structure
Morphology and Structure
The fruiting bodies of bracket fungi are typically:
Shelf- or bracket-shaped, often layered in horizontal rows.
Occasionally circular or fan-shaped in appearance.
Covered on the underside with pores or tubes through which basidiospores are released.
Brackets may range in size from a single row of small caps to dozens of stacked layers weighing several hundred pounds.
Ecological Importance
Ecological Importance
Most polypores inhabit tree trunks or branches, where they play a critical role in wood decay. By breaking down lignin and cellulose, they release nutrients back into the environment and contribute significantly to carbon cycling in forest ecosystems.
Some species live in soil and form mycorrhizal associations with trees, helping roots absorb nutrients and water in exchange for carbohydrates. This makes bracket fungi key ecological players in maintaining forest health and productivity.
Diversity and Conservation
Diversity and Conservation
Over 1,000 species of polypores have been described, but scientists believe there are many more—especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Diversity is highest in old-growth forests, where abundant dead wood provides ideal habitat.
Unfortunately, deforestation and logging have caused significant declines in many species, and some are now threatened or endangered due to habitat loss.
Human Uses and Impacts
Human Uses and Impacts
Bracket fungi have long been used in traditional medicine and continue to be studied for their potential therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial compounds and immune-boosting agents.
However, not all interactions are beneficial:
Several species are serious pathogens of plantation trees, causing heart rot and timber spoilage.
Some have significant economic impacts on forestry and agriculture due to losses in usable wood.
Hairy Hexagonia (Hexagonia hydnoides). This is a very common fungus found on trees (especially dead ones) in forested areas. After it forms it often dries out forming a woody structure and may remain present for many months after the spores have been dispersed.
Turkey-tail (Trametes versicolor) named for its appearance in shape and color to turkey tail fans. These will also dry out and may get discolored but are often characterized by occurring in large clusters. This is a locally abundant fungus in the Austin area.
Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) is one of the largest fungi reproductive structures in Texas. Unlike the other two, this one tends to form a large, fleshy shelf and then will disintegrate after the spores are released. The orange and yellow colors and the large size are very distinctive for this species.
Lab Activity: Diversity of Shelf (Bracket) Fungi
Lab Activity: Diversity of Shelf (Bracket) Fungi
Materials
Materials
Specimens or images of bracket (shelf) fungi
Note: Handle specimens carefully if they are preserved.
Instructions
Instructions
Observe the bracket fungi specimens or images.
Notice how the fruiting body forms a shelf-like structure extending from wood.
Look for the spore-producing surface on the underside of the shelf.
Compare the shape and thickness of different bracket fungi.
Consider how growing directly from wood may benefit these fungi.
Use your observations to answer the worksheet questions.
Clean Up
Clean Up
Return specimens to their containers.
Leave all materials arranged for the next group.
Observing a Puffball
Observing a Puffball
Puffballs are a distinctive group of basidiomycete fungi known for their round or pear-shaped fruiting bodies that lack the stalk-and-cap structure typical of most club fungi. Instead, the entire fruiting body is a spore-producing structure filled with a powdery mass of basidiospores.
Unlike gilled mushrooms, puffballs do not forcibly eject spores from the basidia. Instead, they rely on external forces—such as raindrops, animals, or wind—to release their spores. When the fruiting body matures, it develops a small opening at the top. A gentle impact on the puffball causes clouds of spores to puff out through this opening, which is where their name originates.
Morphology and Structure
Morphology and Structure
Puffballs are generally:
Round, oval, or pear-shaped in appearance.
White to brown in color, darkening as they mature.
Composed almost entirely of gleba, the soft internal tissue where spores develop.
Young puffballs are often firm and white inside, but as they mature, the gleba transforms into a powdery mass of spores. A small pore forms at the top, and even light pressure—such as rainfall, wind, or an animal brushing past—can send up a visible spore cloud.
Ecology and Habitat
Ecology and Habitat
Puffballs can be found in a wide variety of environments, including:
Grasslands and meadows
Forests (on soil, logs, and decaying organic matter)
Lawns and gardens
They play an important ecological role as saprotrophs, decomposing organic material and contributing to nutrient cycling within ecosystems.
Edibility and Caution
Edibility and Caution
Some puffball species are edible when young and firm inside, but caution is required:
Only puffballs with completely white interiors are safe to consider.
As they mature, the interior darkens, becomes spore-filled, and is no longer edible.
Several toxic species, including immature Amanita mushrooms, can resemble puffballs before their caps open.
Accurate identification by an experienced mycologist is essential, as mistaking a deadly species for an edible puffball can be fatal.
Peeling puffball (genus Lycoperdon), a common puffball in central Texas. Initially the basidiocarp is fleshy but as the spores mature it tries and cracks and the spores are released.
The giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) is well named. It is not uncommon for this fungus to develop a basidiocarp weighing in excess of 10 lbs. Like the other puffballs it will dry out and eventually crack releasing the spores from within. This particular puffball is edible until the spores start to mature.
This image demonstrates the release of spores from the aperture that has developed in the top of this puffball (this is a common puffball, genus Lycoperdon). Usually the spores are released when agitated by wind or any other object.
Lab Activity: Diversity of Puffballs
Lab Activity: Diversity of Puffballs
Materials
Materials
Puffball specimens or images
Note: Handle specimens gently.
Instructions
Instructions
Observe the puffball specimens or images.
Notice the round or ball-like shape of the fruiting body.
Consider how spores are released from the puffball.
Compare the surface texture and size of different puffballs.
Use your observations to answer the worksheet questions about puffball structure and spore dispersal.
Clean Up
Clean Up
Return specimens to the station.
Leave the area organized.
Observing a Stinkhorn (Family Phallaceae)
Observing a Stinkhorn (Family Phallaceae)
Unlike some of the other morphological forms within Basidiomycota, stinkhorns represent a true evolutionary group, all sharing a common ancestor. They belong to the family Phallaceae, which is entirely composed of species collectively known as stinkhorns.
Stinkhorns have a worldwide distribution but are especially abundant in tropical regions, where their diversity is greatest. They are best known for their foul-smelling, sticky spore masses, which make them one of the most distinctive—and memorable—groups of fungi.
Morphology and Spore Dispersal
Morphology and Spore Dispersal
The characteristic fruiting body of stinkhorns consists of a single, unbranched stalk called the receptaculum, topped by a spore-producing structure containing the gleba—a sticky, foul-smelling spore mass. The gleba typically emits odors resembling carrion or dung, which attract flies, beetles, and other insects.
Unlike many basidiomycetes that rely on wind dispersal, stinkhorns use a biological strategy:
Insects are drawn to the smell of the gleba.
As they crawl across the surface, spores stick to their bodies.
The insects then carry spores to new locations, facilitating dispersal.
This insect-assisted strategy allows stinkhorns to effectively colonize new habitats, even in dense forests where wind dispersal would be inefficient.
Life Cycle and Development
Life Cycle and Development
All species of stinkhorns begin their development as oval or round structures called “eggs.” Inside the egg, the receptaculum and gleba are already forming. As the fungus matures, the egg ruptures, and the stalk rapidly elongates, pushing the spore-covered structure above the ground where it becomes accessible to insects.
Though many stinkhorn species share this basic body plan, there is significant variation among genera in size, shape, and ornamentation. Some stinkhorns produce simple cylindrical stalks, while others form elaborate lattice-like structures.
Stinkhorn in the genus Lysurus. This is a locally common species found after rains. Several of these have been recorded next to the Riverside campus at ACC. In the top image you can see that it attracts flies with a foul smell. The purpose of this is to have spores stick to the legs of the flies and they will disperse them to new areas.
The Bizarre Diversity of Stinkhorns
The Bizarre Diversity of Stinkhorns
Stinkhorns (family Phallaceae) are among the most visually striking fungi in the phylum Basidiomycota, displaying an incredible variety of shapes and colors that make them unforgettable. While they all share the same insect-dispersal strategy using their foul-smelling gleba, their fruiting body designs are remarkably diverse:
Fascinating Forms of Stinkhorns
Lattice Stinkhorns (Clathrus ruber, Clathrus crispus): Produce an intricate, cage-like structure instead of a simple stalk. The gleba coats the inside of the lattice, attracting insects into the “trap.”
Devil’s Fingers (Clathrus archeri): This species bursts from its egg stage as four to seven long, red tentacle-like arms, coated with gleba at their tips. Its alien-like appearance makes it one of the most photographed stinkhorns.
Veiled Stinkhorns (Phallus indusiatus): Found in tropical forests, this species produces a lacy, skirt-like veil beneath its cap. Despite its beauty, it still produces a strong, rotting odor to attract flies.
Fun Fact
Some stinkhorn species emerge and fully expand within just a few hours, propelled by rapid internal pressure changes. This makes them one of the fastest-growing fruiting bodies among fungi.
Phallus indusiatus, the veiled stinkhorn, produces a delicate net-like skirt beneath its cap. Despite its elegant appearance, the foul-smelling gleba at the top attracts insects for spore dispersal.
Clathrus archeri, commonly called devil’s fingers, emerges from an “egg” and expands into four to seven vivid red arms coated with sticky gleba. Its alien-like appearance and carrion odor draw flies to aid in spore dispersal.
Clathrus ruber, the lattice stinkhorn, forms an intricate cage-shaped fruiting body. The gleba coats the interior, luring insects inside to pick up spores and transport them to new locations.
Lab Activity: Diversity of Stinkhorns
Lab Activity: Diversity of Stinkhorns
Materials
Materials
Images or preserved specimens of stinkhorn fungi
Note: Some specimens may have a strong odor; avoid touching the specimen surface.
Instructions
Instructions
Observe the structure of the stinkhorn specimen or image.
Identify the elongated fruiting body and the spore-producing tip.
Notice the unusual appearance compared to typical mushrooms.
Consider how odor and structure may help attract insects that disperse spores.
Use your observations to answer the worksheet questions.
Clean Up
Clean Up
Return specimens or images to their original location.
Ensure the station is ready for the next group.
Observing a Basidiomycete: Agaricus bisporus (Cultivated Mushroom)
Observing a Basidiomycete: Agaricus bisporus (Cultivated Mushroom)
Agaricus bisporus is one of the most widely recognized and commercially cultivated species of fungi in the world. Commonly known as the white button mushroom, cremini, or portobello (depending on maturity), this species belongs to the phylum Basidiomycota and is a typical example of a club fungus.
Morphology and Structure
Morphology and Structure
The fruiting body of A. bisporus exhibits the classic club-shaped mushroom form:
A cap (pileus) that expands as the mushroom matures.
Gills on the underside of the cap, where basidia produce spores.
A stipe (stalk) that supports the cap.
A partial veil, which initially covers the gills and forms a ring around the stipe when it ruptures.
This species provides an excellent model for studying the general anatomy of basidiomycete mushrooms.
Reproduction
Reproduction
Like other basidiomycetes, A. bisporus reproduces sexually via basidiospores formed on basidia within the gills. Each basidium typically produces four haploid spores, which are released and dispersed by air currents. When these spores land in a suitable environment, they germinate and form a haploid mycelium.
A distinguishing feature of A. bisporus is its name: “bisporus” refers to the fact that many strains produce two spores per basidium rather than four, which is unusual among basidiomycetes. This variation in spore number is one reason the species has been extensively studied in fungal genetics and commercial breeding programs.
Ecology and Habitat
Ecology and Habitat
In nature, A. bisporus is commonly found in grasslands, fields, and nutrient-rich soils, often growing in association with decomposing organic matter. It functions as a saprotroph, breaking down dead plant material and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Human Uses
Human Uses
Agaricus bisporus is the most commercially cultivated mushroom species worldwide. It appears in three commonly marketed forms, which are actually the same species at different developmental stages:
White button mushrooms – immature stage, small and mild in flavor.
Cremini mushrooms – a slightly older stage, brown in color, with a richer flavor.
Portobello mushrooms – fully mature caps, larger and meatier, often used as a vegetarian alternative to meat.
This species is also valued for its nutritional content, providing protein, B-vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber while being low in fat and calories.
The common grocery store mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) showing the gills beneath the cap where basidiospores are produced.
A longitudinal section of an Agaricus fruiting body showing the white mycelial mass that composes most of the structure and supports the reproductive tissues.
Lab Activity: Agaricus bisporus – Observing Mushroom Structures
Lab Activity: Agaricus bisporus – Observing Mushroom Structures
Materials
Materials
Whole specimen of Agaricus bisporus (button mushroom)
Scalpel or dissecting blade
Dissecting tray
Note: Use cutting tools carefully.
Instructions
Instructions
Examine the whole mushroom and identify the cap, stalk, and gills.
Carefully cut the mushroom in half vertically.
Observe how the gills are arranged beneath the cap.
Examine the attachment of the stalk to the cap.
Identify the structures referenced in the worksheet questions.
Clean Up
Clean Up
Dispose of mushroom pieces as instructed.
Return tools and trays to the station.
Lab Activity: Agaricus bisporus Wet Mount – Observing Basidia and Basidiospores
Lab Activity: Agaricus bisporus Wet Mount – Observing Basidia and Basidiospores
Materials
Materials
Small section of mushroom gill
Microscope slide
Coverslip
Water
Compound microscope
Note: Handle slides carefully.
Instructions
Instructions
Place a small piece of mushroom gill on a microscope slide.
Add a drop of water and place a coverslip over the sample.
Examine the tissue under the microscope.
Look for the spore-producing structures on the gill surface.
Identify the basidia, the club-shaped cells that produce spores.
Observe the basidiospores attached to the basidia.
Use your observations to answer the worksheet questions.
Clean Up
Clean Up
Dispose of the wet mount as instructed.
Turn off the microscope and leave the station ready for the next group.
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