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Sexual selection in mushroom-forming basidiomycetes
Bart P S Nieuwenhuis1, Alfons J M Debets, Duur K Aanen
1Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands. bart.nieuwenhuis@wur.nl
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 16, 2010
Summary
Sexual selection influences mushroom-forming fungi evolution. In Schizophyllum commune, compatible nuclei compete, demonstrating sexual selection via recipient choice or donor competition.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mushroom-forming basidiomycete fungi lack distinct sexes but exhibit distinct nuclear roles (female: acceptance, male: donation).
- Primary mycelia (monokaryons) are hermaphroditic but become functionally male after nuclear fusion, forming dikaryons.
- Dikaryons possess two compatible nuclei, each capable of fertilizing receptive monokaryons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and mechanisms of sexual selection in mushroom-forming basidiomycetes.
- To test for biased nuclear interactions during mating in Schizophyllum commune.
Main Methods:
- Pairing of monokaryons with fully compatible dikaryons in the model species Schizophyllum commune.
- Observation and analysis of nuclear dominance in successful matings.
Main Results:
- A strong bias was observed for one of the two compatible nuclei in most pairings.
- The preferred nucleus varied in some cases depending on the recipient monokaryon.
- In other cases, the same nucleus consistently won, irrespective of the recipient.
Conclusions:
- Sexual selection demonstrably occurs in mushroom-forming basidiomycetes.
- Selection can operate through the "choosiness" of the receiving monokaryon (analogous to female choice).
- Competition between nuclei within the dikaryon (analogous to male-male competition) also appears to be a significant factor.
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