Fungal reproduction – which of the following are sexual spores? Considering the major spore types used in fungal classification, which options represent sexual spores formed during meiosis?

Introduction / Context:
Fungal taxonomy often distinguishes sexual and asexual spores. Correctly identifying which spore types are sexual is important for understanding life cycles and for interpreting laboratory observations from culture and microscopy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ascospores arise within asci in Ascomycota.
• Basidiospores form on basidia in Basidiomycota.
• Asexual spores such as conidia or sporangiospores arise without meiosis.

Concept / Approach:
During the sexual cycle, meiosis generates genetic diversity and produces sexual spores. In ascomycetes, meiosis plus a postmeiotic mitosis yields ascospores inside asci. In basidiomycetes, meiosis occurs in basidia, which bear basidiospores externally. Conidia are produced mitotically and are therefore asexual. Hence both ascospores and basidiospores are sexual spores, while common asexual spores do not meet this criterion.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List sexual spore types by division: ascospores and basidiospores.Confirm that both are produced after meiosis.Select the combined option “Both (a) and (b).”

Verification / Alternative check:
Introductory mycology charts map each division to its sexual spore: Ascomycota to ascospores and Basidiomycota to basidiospores, which confirms the classification used here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ascospores only or basidiospores only are incomplete.
• None of these contradicts basic fungal biology.
• Conidiospores only is incorrect because conidia are asexual mitotic spores.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that all spores seen in culture are sexual. Many clinically relevant molds rarely show their sexual state and are identified by asexual morphology but still belong to sexual divisions based on genetics.

Final Answer:
Both (a) and (b).