Conidia
Conidia
Conidia (pronunciation: /kəˈnɪdiə/), also known as conidiospores, are a type of asexual, non-motile spores that are produced by certain types of fungi. They are typically unicellular and are produced in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Etymology
The term "conidia" is derived from the Greek word "konis", which means dust. This is likely a reference to the dust-like appearance of these spores when they are released into the air.
Production and Dispersal
Conidia are produced on specialized structures known as conidiophores. These structures are often branched and can produce large numbers of conidia. The conidia are then released into the environment, where they can be dispersed by wind or water. This allows the fungus to colonize new areas and spread its genetic material.
Role in Disease
Many pathogenic fungi produce conidia, which can cause disease in humans and other animals. For example, the fungus Aspergillus produces conidia that can cause a lung disease known as aspergillosis. Similarly, the fungus Candida produces conidia that can cause a variety of infections, including thrush and candidiasis.
Related Terms
- Mycology: The study of fungi, including those that produce conidia.
- Sporulation: The process by which fungi and other organisms produce spores.
- Hyphae: The thread-like structures that make up the body of a fungus.
- Mycelium: A mass of hyphae that forms the vegetative part of a fungus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Conidia
- Wikipedia's article - Conidia
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