paraphysis

9.9

A thin hair-like thread among spore cases in fungi and algae that does not make spores

noun
/ˌpærəˈfaɪsɪs/

Specialized

: paráfisis

The paraphyses are visible under the microscope as hair-like structures among the sporangia of the fungus.

Examples

In some algae, paraphyses help to support the developing reproductive organs.
In some algae, paraphyses can be found alongside the sporangia.
A biologist counted numerous paraphyses extending from the surface of the ascoma.
The paraphysis serves a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of fungi.
A biologist counted numerous paraphyses extending from the surface of the ascoma.
In some algae, paraphyses help to support the developing reproductive organs.
The paraphyses are visible under the microscope as hair-like structures among the sporangia of the fungus.

Surface Forms

paraphysis singular

paraphyses plural

Morphology

paraphysis = physis (opaque) = para + physis

Although the word is historically built from Greek para- "beside" and physis "growth, nature," the specialized biological meaning is not readily recoverable for an average learner.

Etymology

The word paraphysis comes from Greek parts para- 'beside' and physis 'growth', the same root behind physical and physics. So a paraphysis is literally a small 'growth beside' the spore sacs, which explains why it appears as a sterile, hair-like filament among the reproductive structures.