The kingdoms of bacteria and fungi share common features. In particular, their representatives dispute. However, there are obvious differences. Let's find out how the spores of fungi and the spores of bacteria differ. The difference will be discussed later.
About mushrooms
Mushrooms are lower organisms. They are a kind of transitional link from plants to animals. Representatives of this kingdom are microscopic
unicellular mushrooms, as well as real giants, for example, huge polypore
fungi whose colonies permeate tree trunks.
Mushroom spores, unlike bacterial spores, do not contain chlorophyll. Such organisms are heterotrophic. In other words, the maintenance of vital activity in fungi occurs due to the processing of inorganic and organic substances.
The body of the mushrooms is represented by mycelium, which consists of a set of the finest threads of tissue. Organisms of this category are able to develop not only on soil, but also in water. Some fungi parasitize on plants, animals and their remains. For the development of fungal spores, several conditions are required: the presence of heat and moisture.
What is a bacterium?
Before considering the difference between fungal spores and bacterial spores, it is worth saying a few words about what are the organisms that belong to the kingdom of bacteria. Their oldest representatives exist on the planet for about 2 billion years. To date, scientists have registered 2500 individual species of bacteria.
Organisms of this category are distinguished by the widest habitat. Bacteria are found everywhere: in water, soil, air, cells and tissues, as well as bodily fluids of living organisms. Some representatives of this kingdom are able to maintain vital activity in the thickness of the earth and water at a depth of several kilometers, survive in extreme temperature conditions.
Bacteria are microscopic organisms. All of them consist of one cell or their chains. However, despite the cellular structure, bacteria do not contain a nucleus, the division of which in the structure of animal tissues leads to the growth of individuals' bodies.
Mushroom spores
Mushroom spore-shaped bodies perform exclusively the function of reproduction. They tend to change their form throughout the life cycle. This ability is known by the definition of "pleomorphism." This is manifested in the presence of several types of spores in fungi simultaneously, which differ in the method of division.
Spores of fungi, in contrast to bacterial spores, form in various places:
- fungi that multiply by the formation of mycelium produce chlamydospores and arthrospores;
- inside sporangia, which are formed by the lower representatives of the kingdom of mushrooms, sporangiospores are produced;
- in higher fungi, spores form on the surface of tubular and lamellar bodies.
Bacteria spores
What is the difference between fungal spores and bacterial spores? As noted above, spores are produced by fungi for breeding purposes. In the case of the bacterium, we are talking more about the transformation of a living cell, which allows it to survive in adverse conditions. As the results of scientific studies show, individual bacterial spores are able to withstand the temperature, atmospheric, chemical and mechanical stresses that are catastrophic for the cells of animals, plants and the same fungi. This is the defining difference between the spores of the fungus and the spores of bacteria.
It is worth noting that not all representatives of the bacterial kingdom have the ability to transform into protective spores. Only the rod-shaped forms of this category of organisms are subject to the possibility. Bacteria of this type are commonly known as bacilli.
Spores of rod-shaped microorganisms are formed throughout the day. Activation of the process occurs in response to the occurrence of conditions unsuitable for existence and active life activity. This method of protection against environmental factors is extremely effective. In the form of spores, bacilli can exist in an inactive form for several decades. The protective membranes of bacterial spores become immune to the absence of moisture. They withstand various types of exposure, including radiation.
Finally
In the end, I would like to summarize all of the above. What is the difference between the organisms represented?
Mushroom spores, unlike bacterial spores, are designed to perform reproductive functions. In the case of bacilli, the formation of spores is a necessary measure aimed at the survival of the species.
Spores of fungi, in contrast to bacterial spores, are only a minor, non-determining part of the body. On the contrary, the bacterial spore actually acts as the body of the bacillus, which acquires a protective membrane.
There are also quantitative differences. So, one representative of the kingdom of mushrooms is able to reproduce millions of spores in order to increase the likelihood of successful reproduction. In bacilli, only one spore is produced.