Table of Contents
Introduction References & Edit History

hymenium, a spore-bearing layer of tissue in fungi (kingdom Fungi) found in the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. It is formed by end cells of hyphae—the filaments of the vegetative body (thallus)—which terminate elongation and differentiate into reproductive cells. The hymenium may also contain support cells known as cystidia.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.
Table of Contents
Introduction References & Edit History
Related Topics:
basidiocarp

basidium, in fungi (kingdom Fungi), the organ in the members of the phylum Basidiomycota (q.v.) that bears sexually reproduced bodies called basidiospores. The basidium serves as the site of karyogamy and meiosis, functions by which sex cells fuse, exchange nuclear material, and divide to reproduce basidiospores.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.