Conidium
Conidium
Conidium (pronunciation: /kəˈnɪdiəm/), plural conidia (pronunciation: /kəˈnɪdiə/), is a type of asexual spore commonly produced by many fungi. The term is derived from the Greek word konis, meaning dust, and -idium, a diminutive suffix.
Etymology
The term "conidium" is derived from the Ancient Greek word konis which means dust, and the Latin suffix -idium which is a diminutive. Thus, the term can be translated as "small dust", referring to the dust-like appearance of the spores.
Description
Conidia are non-motile spores that are produced asexually and serve as the dispersal units for many fungi. They are produced on specialized structures called conidiophores, which are often grouped into clusters known as conidiomata or conidial heads. The size, shape, and color of conidia can vary widely, depending on the species of fungus.
Related Terms
- Conidiophore: A specialized fungal hypha that produces conidia.
- Conidiomata: A cluster of conidiophores, often enclosed in a protective structure.
- Hypha: A long, branching filamentous structure of a fungus.
- Spore: A unit of sexual or asexual reproduction that may be adapted for dispersal and for survival, often for extended periods of time, in unfavorable conditions.
- Fungus: Any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Conidium
- Wikipedia's article - Conidium
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