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Multiple Choice
Basidia produce spores by a process known as _____.
A
binary fission
B
meiosis
C
mitosis
D
budding
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of basidia: Basidia are specialized structures found in fungi, specifically in the phylum Basidiomycota. Their primary function is to produce spores for reproduction.
Recall the process of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating haploid cells (spores in this case) from diploid cells. This is essential for sexual reproduction in fungi.
Eliminate incorrect options: Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction seen in prokaryotes, mitosis is a type of cell division that maintains the chromosome number, and budding is another form of asexual reproduction. None of these processes are involved in spore production by basidia.
Connect meiosis to spore production: Basidia undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores, which are then released to germinate and form new fungal organisms.
Conclude that meiosis is the correct answer: Based on the biological function of basidia and the process required to produce spores, meiosis is the correct process involved.