Ascospore

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Ascospore

Ascospore (/ˈæskoʊˌspɔːr/) is a term used in Mycology, the study of fungi, to describe a type of spore within an ascomycete or sac fungus.

Etymology

The term "Ascospore" is derived from the Greek words "askos" meaning sac, and "spora" meaning seed. This refers to the spore's development inside a sac-like structure called an ascus.

Definition

An Ascospore is a sexually produced fungal spore formed within an ascus. Each ascus typically contains eight ascospores, although the number can vary depending on the species. Ascospores are produced by a process called meiosis, followed by mitosis.

Related Terms

  • Ascomycete: A member of the Ascomycota, or sac fungi, a division of fungi that produce ascospores inside an ascus.
  • Ascus: A sac-like structure produced by ascomycetes in which ascospores are formed.
  • Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four gamete cells. This process is required to produce egg and sperm cells for sexual reproduction.
  • Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.

External links

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