Sterigma
Encyclopedia
A sterigma is an extension of the basidium
(the spore
-bearing cells) consisting of a basal filamentous part and a slender projection with a spore at the tip. They are formed on the basidium as it develops and undergoes meiosis
, to result in the production of (typically) four nuclei. The nuclei gradually migrate to the tip of the basidium, and one nucleus will migrate into each spore that develops at the tip of each sterigma.
Basidium
thumb|right|500px|Schematic showing a basidiomycete mushroom, gill structure, and spore-bearing basidia on the gill margins.A basidium is a microscopic, spore-producing structure found on the hymenophore of fruiting bodies of basidiomycete fungi. The presence of basidia is one of the main...
(the spore
Spore
In biology, a spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many bacteria, plants, algae, fungi and some protozoa. According to scientist Dr...
-bearing cells) consisting of a basal filamentous part and a slender projection with a spore at the tip. They are formed on the basidium as it develops and undergoes meiosis
Meiosis
Meiosis is a special type of cell division necessary for sexual reproduction. The cells produced by meiosis are gametes or spores. The animals' gametes are called sperm and egg cells....
, to result in the production of (typically) four nuclei. The nuclei gradually migrate to the tip of the basidium, and one nucleus will migrate into each spore that develops at the tip of each sterigma.