CORE AREA 1 FOOD STUDIES Spores Reproduction of moulds
Asexual reproduction 1. When the mycelium becomes well established in the food source and when conditions for growth remain favourable some hyphae begin to grow upwards from the surface of the food.
2. The tip of the hyphae develop one of two spore-forming structures:
o sporangium: a round structure that contains spores
o conidia: a chained structure made of unprotected spores.
3. When the structure is ripe: o the sporangium bursts, releasing spores into the environment; or
o the conidia breaks away, releasing spores into the environment.
4. These spores can be dispersed by air or water. When the spores find suitable conditions, the asexual reproduction cycle begins again.
Sexual reproduction
1. Two hypha grow towards each other and fuse together.
Sporangium
2. The dividing wall between the hyphae breaks down, fertilisation occurs and a zygospore develops. The zygospore produces and houses spores. It has a thick wall that protects the internal spores until conditions are favourable for growth. It can remain dormant for months.
3. When conditions for growth are suitable, the zygospore germinates and a hypha grows vertically, forming a sporangium at the tip.
4. When the structure is ripe the sporangium bursts, releasing spores into the environment.
5. These spores can be dispersed by air or water. When the spores find suitable conditions, the sexual reproduction cycle begins again.
