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Glite Dictionary
tetraspore

tetraspore

9.9
One of four tiny reproductive cells that form inside a small sac in some algae or fungi
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛtrəˌspɔr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tetrasporo
  • In red algae, each tetraspore develops into a new plant.

Examples

  • The scientist observed the release of tetraspores from the sporangium under the microscope.

  • A single tetraspore can develop into a new organism.

  • Formation of a tetraspore is a key part of the reproductive cycle in some seaweeds.

  • The tetraspores of red algae are crucial for their reproduction.

  • The scientist observed the release of a tetraspore from the sporangium under the microscope.

  • Formation of a tetraspore is a key part of the reproductive cycle in some seaweeds.

  • In red algae, each tetraspore develops into a new plant.

Surface Forms

tetraspore singular
tetraspores plural

Morphology

tetraspore = spore (semi-transparent) = tetra + spore

The structure 'tetra' (four) + 'spore' is linguistically regular, but the combining form 'tetra' is a technical/Greek-form prefix that many intermediate learners may not recognize.

Etymology

Tetraspore comes from the Greek parts tetra- meaning 'four' and spore meaning 'seed' or tiny reproductive cell. So, a tetraspore is one of four spores made together, like one 'seed' in a group of four.