Spores

Definition

Spores are reproductive cells produced by fungi, capable of developing into a new individual without sexual fusion. They are adapted to survive in adverse environmental conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Spores can be either sexual or asexual, with sexual spores resulting from the fusion of two nuclei.
2. Asexual spores include conidia and sporangiospores, while sexual spores include ascospores, basidiospores, and zygospores.
3. Spores are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, desiccation, and other environmental stresses.
4. Fungi release spores into the environment for dispersion and colonization of new substrates.
5. The structure and formation of spores play a crucial role in the classification and identification of fungal species.

Review Questions

• What are the primary differences between sexual and asexual fungal spores?
• How do environmental conditions affect the viability and dispersion of fungal spores?
• Why are spore structures important in the taxonomy of fungi?

Related terms

Conidia:

A type of asexual spore produced externally on specialized hyphae called conidiophores.

Ascospores:

Sexual spores formed inside an ascus during the reproduction process of ascomycete fungi.

Basidiospores:

Sexual spores produced on a basidium following meiosis in basidiomycete fungi.