Hypha
Hypha
Hypha (pronounced: /ˈhaɪfə/) is a term used in mycology to describe the long, branching filamentous structure of a fungus. The plural form is hyphae (pronounced: /ˈhaɪfiː/).
Etymology
The term "hypha" comes from the Greek word ὑφή (hyphē), meaning "web". It was first used in English in the early 19th century.
Definition
A hypha is a fundamental unit of the mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus. It is typically a tubular structure that is partitioned into cells by internal cross-walls, known as septa. However, some fungi have coenocytic hyphae, which are not divided by septa.
Hyphae grow at their tips, extending and branching to form a mycelium network. They are involved in nutrient absorption and may also produce spores, the reproductive units of fungi.
Related Terms
- Mycelium: The mass of hyphae that forms the vegetative part of a fungus.
- Septa: The internal cross-walls that partition a hypha into cells.
- Coenocytic: A term describing hyphae that are not divided by septa.
- Spores: The reproductive units produced by fungi.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypha
- Wikipedia's article - Hypha
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