What is the Difference Between Apothecium and Cleistothecia?

The main difference between an apothecium and a cleistothecium lies in their structure and method of releasing spores. Both are types of fruiting bodies produced by Ascomycota fungi to bear and release spores. Here are the key differences between the two:

Apothecium:

• Broad, plate-like fruiting body.
• Asci develop on the surface of the hymenium and remain exposed at maturity.
• Capable of shooting out spores to release them into the environment.
• Can be saucer-shaped or cup-shaped, with the hymenium fully exposed.
• Examples include members of Dictyomycetes and the morel (Morchella).

Cleistothecium:

• Globose and completely closed fruiting body.
• Asci are scattered throughout the interior cavity.
• Cannot shoot out spores.
• Typically has bag-like asci.
• Some species have cleistothecia that split open to release their spores, called chasmothecia.

In summary, apothecia are open, exposed fruiting bodies that can shoot out spores, while cleistothecia are closed, globose structures that must rupture or disintegrate to release their spores.

Comparative Table: Apothecium vs Cleistothecia

Here is a table comparing the differences between apothecium and cleistothecia:

Apothecium and cleistothecia are both types of structures that bear spores of Ascomycota fungi, but they differ in shape, spore release mechanisms, and asci characteristics.