Cellsbasidia

Cellsbasidia is not a standard term in mycology. It may be a misspelling, a misread, or a neologism formed from “cell” and “basidium.” The term most widely used for the spore-producing cells of basidiomycete fungi is basidium. If someone uses “cellsbasidia,” it is usually in reference to the basidial cells themselves or it may reflect confusion with basidium terminology.

Basidia are microscopic, typically club-shaped cells located on the hymenial surfaces of basidiocarps, such as the gills of mushrooms or the pores of polypores. After the basidium forms, karyogamy occurs inside it, followed by meiosis, producing haploid basidiospores. These spores are typically discharged from the basidium via sterigmata, slender projections that attach each spore to the basidium. In most species, each basidium produces four basidiospores, though the exact number can vary and some species produce two, six, or eight spores.

Function and life cycle: Basidia are central to sexual reproduction in basidiomycetes. They execute meiosis within the basidium to generate genetic variation, and the resulting basidiospores disperse to initiate new mycelial growth. Germination leads to haploid hyphae that can unite with compatible partners to form a new dikaryotic mycelium, continuing the life cycle.

Taxonomic note: The usage of “cellsbasidia” is not common in standard taxonomic references. When encountered, it is prudent to verify the intended meaning and consult authoritative sources on basidial structure and basidiomycete reproduction.

See also: Basidium, Basidiomycota.