zoospore

[zoh-uh-spawr, -spohr]

noun

1. Botany, Mycology.,  an asexual spore produced by certain algae and some fungi, capable of moving about by means of flagella.

2. Zoology.,  any of the minute motile flagelliform or ameboid bodies that issue from the sporocyst of certain protozoans.

zoospore

/ ˈzəʊəˌspɔː, zəʊˈɒspərəs, ˌzəʊəˈspɔːrəs /

noun

1. an asexual spore of some algae and fungi that moves by means of flagella

2. one of several spores produced in a saclike body (sporocyst) by some parasitic protozoans

zoospore

1. A motile flagellated spore that serves as a means of asexual reproduction among certain algae, fungi, and protoctists.

Other Word Forms

• zoosporic adjective
• zoosporous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zoospore¹

First recorded in 1840–50; zoo- + spore

Example Sentences

Phytophthora is a zoospore, which means it goes through a swimming phase during its life cycle.

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After four days, the fungus developed discharge tubes and released new zoospores, showing that the geese’s toe scales provided not just a site for the fungus to reside but also to reproduce.

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The endochrome is believed to be fertilized by bodies developed in antheridia, the contents of each fertilized cell dividing into four ovate zoospores.

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A. a, Conidia. b, Conidiophores. c, Conidium emitting zoospores. d, Free zoospore.

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Bullfrogs serve as perfect vectors for fungus, as the frogs can survive infection loads of millions of chytrid zoospores.

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