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Glite Dictionary
zoospore

zoospore

1 9.9
A spore that forms without sex in some algae and fungi and swims using a tail-like thread
  • noun
  • /ˈzuːəˌspɔːr/
  • Specialized
: zoóspora
  • Scientists studied the movement of zo spores, noting how their flagella help them navigate through aquatic environments.
  • vesicles with zoospores

Examples

  • Development of the different stages of vesicle and zoospore formation, cleavage, and release was assessed on colonized grass leaves in water cultures containing Ca++ and Mg++.

    Academic text (2015)

  • During the life cycle of certain algae, the zoospore is released to reproduce asexually.

  • If vesicles and zoospores developed, we removed the grass blade with 10 vesicles, using tweezers, and placed it on a glass slide.

    Academic text (2015)

  • The zoospore uses its flagella to swim through the water in search of a suitable substrate.

Surface Forms

zoospore singular
zoospores plural

Morphology

zoospore = zoo + spore (semi-transparent) = zoo + spore

The components 'zoo' + 'spore' literally suggest an animal-like or motile spore, but 'zoo-' is a specialized combining form and 'spore' is technical vocabulary, so the meaning may not be obvious to all B1 learners.

Etymology

The word zoospore joins zoo-, the same 'zoo' you know as a place for animals, and spore meaning 'seed' or 'tiny reproductive cell'. So, think of it as an 'animal seed' — a spore that can move using little tails to swim to a new home.