EXOSPORE Meaning and
Definition
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Exospore is a botanical term used to describe the outer layer or covering of a spore, primarily found in certain types of plants and fungi. It is one of the two main layers that make up a spore, the other being the endospore.
The exospore acts as a protective barrier around the spore, shielding it from harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, desiccation, and mechanical damage. It is typically composed of a tough, resistant substance called sporopollenin, which gives the exospore its durability and resilience.
In plants, exospores are commonly found in the reproductive structures, such as the pollen grains of seed-bearing plants and the spores of ferns and mosses. These structures play a crucial role in plant reproduction, as they are responsible for dispersing the genetic material necessary for fertilization.
In fungi, exospores can be found in various forms such as conidia or spores produced by fungal structures called conidiophores. Fungal exospores are involved in the dispersal and reproduction of fungi, allowing them to colonize new environments and create new fungal colonies.
Overall, the exospore serves as a protective outer layer for spores in plants and fungi, aiding in their survival and dispersal. Its durable composition and ability to withstand unfavorable conditions contribute significantly to the reproductive success of these organisms.
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A spore which forms on the outside, usually at one or the other end, of a rod bacterium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EXOSPORE
- wxospore
- sxospore
- dxospore
- rxospore
- 4xospore
- 3xospore
- ezospore
- ecospore
- esospore
- exkspore
- exlspore
- expspore
- ex0spore
- ex9spore
- exoapore
- exozpore
- exoxpore
- exodpore
- exoepore
Etymology of EXOSPORE
The word "exospore" is formed from two Greek roots: "exo-" meaning "outside" or "external", and "spora" meaning "seed" or "spore". The term is often used in biology to refer to the outer layer or protective covering of a spore, which is the dormant reproductive structure of certain organisms like fungi, plants, and some algae.
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