The myth of asexual fungi.

Genomic research indicates that fungi previously thought to be asexual actually exhibit a continuum of sexual activity, challenging the myth of complete asexuality.

• Why it matters: Understanding the reproductive modes of fungi is crucial for insights into their evolution, ecology, and potential for genetic diversity. The assumption that many fungi are entirely asexual may overlook important biological processes.
• What they did: The study reviews genomic data and recent research on lichen-forming fungi, revealing that these fungi display reduced, rare, or cryptic sexual activity rather than being strictly asexual.
• The result: Findings suggest that fungi considered asexual may still engage in sexual processes, which could influence their genetic variation and adaptation, prompting a reevaluation of fungal reproductive classifications.