Zygospore
Zygospore
Zygospore (/zaɪˈɡoʊˌspɔːr/; from the Greek words ζυγόν (zygon), meaning "yoke", and σπορά (spora), meaning "seed") is a type of spore produced by certain types of fungi.
Definition
A zygospore is a thick-walled, resistant spore formed by the union of two similar gametes, typically from different strains of the same species of fungi. This process is known as sexual reproduction and results in genetic variation.
Formation
Zygospore formation occurs in a process called zygogamy. Two compatible hyphae of different mating types come into contact and form a bridge, known as a conjugation tube. The contents of one cell then flow into the other, and the resulting cell is the zygospore.
Germination
Upon favourable conditions, the zygospore germinates to form a new mycelium. This process involves the zygospore undergoing meiosis, a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
Related Terms
- Zygomycota: A phylum of fungi that produce zygospores.
- Zygote: The cell formed by the union of two gametes.
- Zygosaccharomyces: A genus of yeast that forms zygospores.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Zygospore
- Wikipedia's article - Zygospore
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