Spore

Spore

A Spore is 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. Spores form part of the life cycles of many plants, algae, fungi and protozoa.

Bacterial spores

Bacterial spores are extremely durable and can survive in harsh conditions, such as extreme heat and lack of nutrients. They are formed by a process called sporulation, which is triggered by lack of nutrients and usually begins in the cell's vegetative state.

Fungal spores

Fungal spores are usually haploid and unicellular and are produced by meiosis in the sporangium of a dikaryotic fruiting body. Spores are capable of developing into a new organism using mitotic division, producing a multicellular thallus, which eventually goes on to produce more spores.

Plant spores

Plant spores are haploid and multicellular and are produced by meiosis in the sporangium of a diploid sporophyte. Under favourable conditions the spore can develop into a new organism using mitotic division, producing a multicellular gametophyte, which eventually goes on to produce gametes.

Protozoan spores

Protozoan spores are formed by some protozoa as a way to survive in a dormant state under unfavorable conditions. They are capable of surviving for long periods of time and can be spread through the air, water, and soil.

See also

• Endospore
• Microsporidia
• Mycelium
• Sporangium
• Sporophyte
• Zygospore

External links

• Spore on Wikipedia

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  Sporangium of fungi

• Rhizopus zygospores

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  Aecium sp.

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  Puccinia helianthi (teliospores)

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  Oospore

• Rhod1004.jpg

  Rhod1004

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  Polysiphonia tetraspores WM2