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Glite Dictionary
arthrospore

arthrospore

9.9
A thick-walled cell that forms when a thread of fungus or algae breaks so it can survive
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : artrospora
  • Certain molds reproduce by forming arthrospores along their hyphae under adverse conditions.

Examples

  • The presence of arthrospores can be an important diagnostic feature in identifying fungal species.

  • When the environment becomes unfavorable, some algae produce arthrospores to survive until conditions improve.

  • An arthrospore can survive in harsh conditions.

  • The arthrospores of this fungus are resistant to drying.

  • Certain molds reproduce by forming arthrospores along their hyphae under adverse conditions.

  • When the environment becomes unfavorable, some algae produce arthrospores to survive until conditions improve.

  • The presence of arthrospores can be an important diagnostic feature in identifying fungal species.

Synonyms

spore
vsarthrospore
  • Specialized
68 6.7

A very small thing made by some plants and fungi that can grow into a new plant or fungus

is formed when a hypha or filament breaks into separate thick walled cells
sporidium
vsarthrospore
  • Specialized
9.9

A tiny cell like a spore that helps fungi or protozoa reproduce

is produced when a filament breaks into separate thick walled cells

Surface Forms

arthrospore singular
arthrospores plural

Morphology

arthrospore = spore (opaque) = arthro + spore

The combining form 'arthro-' is a technical Greek form meaning 'joint/segment' and is not a standalone English word, so the full term is specialist and not easily deduced by average learners.

Etymology

Arthrospore combines arthro- meaning 'joint' and spore meaning 'seed' or 'reproductive cell'. So an arthrospore is like a little 'seed' that forms at a 'joint' when a long fungal thread breaks into separate thick-walled parts, which is why the word names spores made when those threads break apart.