Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
04:38
Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice
Published on: March 5, 2020
22.0K
Black Truffle, a Hermaphrodite with Forced Unisexual Behaviour.
Marc-André Selosse1, Laure Schneider-Maunoury1, Elisa Taschen2
1Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB - UMR 7205 - CNRS, MNHN, UPMC, EPHE), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France.
Trends in Microbiology
|June 18, 2017
Summary
Black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) mating involves distinct male and female-like parents, despite the species being hermaphroditic. This suggests a unique reproductive strategy called forced dioecism in this valuable fungus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Sciences
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- The black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) is a commercially important ectomycorrhizal fungus.
- Understanding its reproductive cycle is crucial for cultivation and conservation efforts.
- Hermaphroditism is common in fungi, but mating behaviors can be complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mating behavior of Tuber melanosporum.
- To determine if the species exhibits sexual dimorphism during its life cycle.
- To explore the implications of observed mating patterns for truffle reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic and phenotypic data from mating Tuber melanosporum.
- Observation of reproductive structures and spore development.
- Comparison of parental traits during the mating process.
Main Results:
- Tuber melanosporum mating involves individuals with significantly different characteristics.
- These individuals predominantly function as either male or female during mating.
- Despite being hermaphroditic, the species displays a pattern resembling dioecy.
Conclusions:
- The mating behavior of Tuber melanosporum suggests a phenomenon of forced dioecism.
- This reproductive strategy may influence genetic diversity and population dynamics.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of forced dioecism in Tuber melanosporum.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Mate Choice
11.9K
Mate choice—the decision about whom to mate with—is a type of natural selection, since animals must reproduce to pass down their genes. Mate choice is also called intersexual selection because the behavior occurs between the sexes.
11.9K
02:45The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
9.9K
In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
9.9K
01:17What is a Species?
51.2K
Overview
51.2K
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
7.9K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
7.9K
01:24Testing a Claim about Population Proportion
4.0K
A complete procedure for testing a claim about a population proportion is provided here.
There are two methods of testing a claim about a population proportion: (1) Using the sample proportion from the data where a binomial distribution is approximated to the normal distribution and (2) Using the binomial probabilities calculated from the data.
The first method uses normal distribution as an approximation to the binomial distribution. The requirements are as follows: sample size is large...
There are two methods of testing a claim about a population proportion: (1) Using the sample proportion from the data where a binomial distribution is approximated to the normal distribution and (2) Using the binomial probabilities calculated from the data.
The first method uses normal distribution as an approximation to the binomial distribution. The requirements are as follows: sample size is large...
4.0K
01:27Diversity of Protists IV
1.4K
Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...
1.4K