Fungal Word Friday: Spermagonium

The male gamete in rust fungi is a non-motile cell that is covered in a sticky substance that causes it to adhere to insects that com in contact with it. These gametes are produced within a cup or flask shaped structure called a spermagonium, which also produces a nectar to attract flies.

Puccinia urticata on the surface of a nettle leaf

Photo Cred: Mark Ramotowski: Wikipedian Biologist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Rambatino