Spores
Spores
Spores (/spɔːrz/) are 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. They form part of the life cycles of many plants, algae, fungi and protozoa.
Etymology
The term "spore" derives from the ancient Greek word σπορά (sporá) for "sowing," related to σπόρος (spóros), "sowing," and σπείρειν (speírein), "to sow."
Types of Spores
There are several types of spores, including:
- Zygospore: A diploid reproductive stage in the life cycle of many fungi and protists.
- Ascospore: Produced in a special sac-like structure called an ascus.
- Basidiospore: Produced by basidium, a spore-producing structure found in certain fungi.
- Endospore: Formed within bacteria as a dormant stage to survive unfavorable conditions.
- Exospore: A spore formed by budding from the parent cell, rather than by division.
Related Terms
- Mycelium: The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments (hyphae).
- Gametophyte: The sexual phase in the life cycle of plants and algae.
- Sporangium: A single-celled or many-celled structure in which spores are produced.
- Sporophyte: The asexual and usually diploid phase, producing spores from which the gametophyte arises.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spores
- Wikipedia's article - Spores
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