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Glite Dictionary
zygospore

zygospore

9.9
A thick-walled cell that two similar sex cells form when they join to survive bad conditions in fungi and algae
  • noun
  • /ˈzaɪɡəˌspɔr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : zigospora
  • The fungus produces a zygospore after sexual reproduction between two similar cells.

Examples

  • Under unfavorable conditions, certain algae form a resistant zygospore to survive.

  • A zygospore remains dormant until environmental conditions become suitable for growth.

  • The zygospore is crucial for the reproductive cycle of many fungi.

  • After fertilization, a zygospore forms and develops into a new organism.

  • The fungus produces a zygospore after sexual reproduction between two similar cells.

  • Under unfavorable conditions, certain algae form a resistant zygospore to survive.

  • A zygospore remains dormant until environmental conditions become suitable for growth.

Surface Forms

zygospore singular
zygopsores plural

Morphology

zygospore = spore (opaque) = zygo + spore + zygo

The element 'spore' is clear but the combining form 'zygo-' is a technical Greek-derived element meaning 'joined' and is not transparent to average B1 learners.

Etymology

Zygospore comes from Greek parts zygo- meaning 'yoke' or 'join' and spore meaning 'seed' or 'tiny reproductive cell'. So a zygospore is like a 'joined seed' formed when two similar cells come together to make a thick-walled spore that can survive bad conditions.