mating type The equivalent in lower organisms (especially micro-organisms) of sexes in higher organisms. Microorganisms may be subdivided into mating types on the basis of their physiology and mating behaviour. Different mating types are usually identical in physical form, although individuals of one mating type possess on their surfaces proteins that will bind to complementary proteins or polysaccharides found only on the coats of individuals of the opposite mating type. In this way, only individuals of different mating types will undergo conjugation.

mating type The equivalent in lower organisms (particularly micro-organisms) of sexes in higher organisms. Micro-organisms may be subdivided into mating types on the basis of their physiology and mating behaviour. Different mating types are usually identical in physical form although individuals of one mating type possess on their surfaces proteins that will bind to complementary proteins or polysaccharides found only on the coats of individuals of the opposite mating type. In this way, only individuals of different mating types will undergo conjugation.

mating type The equivalent in lower organisms (especially micro-organisms) of sexes in higher organisms. Micro-organisms may be subdivided into mating types on the basis of their physiology and mating behaviour. Different mating types are usually identical in physical form, although individuals of one mating type possess on their surfaces proteins that will bind to complementary proteins or polysaccharides found only on the coats of individuals of the opposite mating type. In this way, only individuals of different mating types will undergo conjugation.

mating type The equivalent in microorganisms, fungi, and algae of the male and female individuals of higher organisms. Mating types are morphologically the same and therefore difficult to distinguish. For this reason different mating types, of the same species, are designated as + and –. The mating types are distinct strains that are compatible in sexual reproduction; they are able to give rise to a zygote, which can develop into a new individual.