Question

Give any two differences between homothallism and heterothallism.

Answer 1

Homothallism refers to the condition of having both female and male reproductive structures on the same thalli. On the other hand, the condition of having a female and the male reproductive structure on different thalli is known as heterothallism.

Complete Answer:
Heterothallism and homothallism are the two conditions of sexual reproduction that can be found in some algae and fungi. In homothallism, sexual reproduction requires the same partners; whereas in heterothallism, sexual reproduction occurs in the two compatible partners.
The two main differences between the heterothallism and homothallism are:

Sl.No	HOMOTHALLISM	HETEROTHALLISM
1.	Definition: In this, thallus is bisexual. In other words, it is a condition in which hyphae are genetically compatible and they form zygospores from the two branches of the mycelium. These zygospores that produce are independent. They undergo self-fertilization.	Definition: It is a condition that requires two compatible mating types in sexual reproduction or in words, they are not self-sterile. They undergo cross-fertilization.
2.	Bisexual reproduction takes place in the condition of homothallism. Both female and male reproductive structures present in the same thalli or thallus. It reduces that rate of recombination and decreases population size.	Unisexual reproduction takes place. Female and male structures present on the different thallus. It increases the population size and recombination.

Note: Examples of heterothallism: Penicillium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. On the other hand, Aspergillus species is an example of homothallism. The main difference between heterothallism and homothallism is the type of the reproductive structures that are present on the thallus and the effect of the reproduction.