Question

At a stage of their cycle, ascomycetes fungi produce the fruiting bodies like apothecium, perithecium or cleistothecium. How are these three types of fruiting bodies different from each other?

Answer 1

Introduction

In ascomycetes fungi, sexual spores called ascospores are produced endogenously in sac-like asci (singular ascus). These asci are arranged in the form of fruiting bodies called ascocarps.

Shape

• Apothecium: It is shaped like a cup or disc
• Perithecium: It is shaped like a flask with a pore on the top.
• Cleistothecium: It is small spherical or ovoid shaped and completely closed from all sides.

Examples:

• Morchella is an example of Apothecium.
• Claviceps is an example of Perithecium
• Sphaerotheca is an example Cleistothecium