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sporophore

sporophore

9.9
A part of a plant or fungus that makes tiny spores that grow into new living things
  • noun
  • /ˈspɔːrəˌfɔːr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : esporóforo
  • The mushroom's sporophore emerged from the ground after several days of rain.

Examples

  • Scientists studied the unique shape of the fungus's sporophore under the microscope.

  • A fern's sporophore can release thousands of spores into the environment.

  • The sporophore is crucial for reproduction.

  • Mosses produce sporophores to facilitate spore dispersal.

  • The sporophore of the fern produces thousands of spores, ensuring the continuation of its species.

  • In biology class, we learned that a sporophore is crucial for the reproduction of certain fungi.

  • During our hike, we spotted a sporophore on the forest floor, indicating the presence of nearby ferns.

Synonyms

sporangiophore
vssporophore
  • Specialized
9.9

A stalk that holds spore cases in fungi and some plants

is a broader branch or organ rather than a specialized stalk
sporophyll
vssporophore
  • Specialized
9.9

A leaf-like part that holds spore-producing structures on ferns, mosses, and some seed plants

is a branch or organ not limited to leaflike forms
sporangium
vssporophore
  • Specialized
9.9

A small part in fungi or some plants that makes and holds spores

is a branch or organ that bears spores as well as producing them
spore case
vssporophore
  • Specialized
7.2

A small bag on a plant or fungus that holds tiny parts for making new plants

is a branch or organ that bears and produces spores not merely contains them
spore sac
vssporophore
  • Specialized
8.0

A small baglike part on ferns and fungi that holds tiny cells that grow into new plants

is a branch or organ that bears and produces spores not only stores them
sporocarp
vssporophore
  • Specialized
9.9

A part of some water ferns that holds and protects spores to make new plants

is a general branch or organ rather than a closed, specialized enclosure

Surface Forms

sporophore singular
sporophores plural

Morphology

sporophore = spore (semi-transparent) = spore + phore

The component 'spore' is clear but '-phore' is a technical combining form meaning 'bearer' that is not widely known to general learners.

Etymology

The word sporophore breaks into two parts: sporo- meaning 'spore' and -phore meaning 'bearer' or 'carrier'. So a sporophore is a 'spore-bearer', a branch or organ that carries and releases spores.