A basidiospore is a reproductive spore produced by Basidiomycete fungi, a grouping that includes mushrooms, shelf fungi, rusts, and smuts. Basidiospores typically each contain one haploid nucleus that is the product of meiosis, and they are produced by specialized fungal cells called basidia.

Where are basidiospores produced?

Basidiospores are produced on specialized club shaped cells named basidia which have four small outgrowths called sterigmata. Each of these sterigmata produce one spore. Basidia are the club-shaped fruiting bodies which develop on the gills of Basidiomycota, the mushroom-producing fungi.

Where are Basidiomycota found?

Basidiomycota are found in virtually all terrestrial ecosystems, as well as freshwater and marine habitats (Kohlmeyer and Kohlmeyer, 1979; Hibbett and Binder, 2001). Basidiomycota have a huge impact on human affairs and ecosystem functioning.