zygospore

American  

[zahy-guh-spawr, -spohr, zig-uh-] / ˈzaɪ gəˌspɔr, -ˌspoʊr, ˈzɪg ə- /

noun

Botany, Mycology.

1. a cell formed by fusion of two similar gametes, as in certain algae and fungi.

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zygospore British  

/ ˈzaɪɡəʊˌspɔː, ˈzɪɡ- /

noun

1. a thick-walled sexual spore formed from the zygote of some fungi and algae

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zygospore Scientific  

/ zī′gə-spôr′,zĭg′ə- /

1. A large, multinucleate spore formed by union of isogametes (gametes that are not distinguished by size and structure), as in certain algae or fungi. A zygospore develops thick, resistant walls and enters a period of dormancy before germinating.

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Other Word Forms

• zygosporic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of zygospore

First recorded in 1860–65; zygo- + -spore

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zygospore

When the zygospore germinates, it undergoes meiosis and produces haploid spores, which will, in turn, grow into a new organism.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

After its formation the zygospore still increases considerably in size, and acquires a diameter of more than one-fifth of a millimetre.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt) Cooke

The zygospore thus formed germinates after a long period and forms a new filament of cells.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 531, March 6, 1886 by Various

By pressure, the thin brittle coat which envelopes the zygospore is ruptured, and the coat of the zygospore exposed, formed of a thick cartilaginous membrane, studded with large irregular warts.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt) Cooke

Different stages in the formation and germination of the zygospore.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 3 "Frost" to "Fyzabad" by Various