Arthrospores

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Reproductive spores formed by fragmentation of fungal hyphae into separate cells capable of germination ; specialized asexual spores in fungi produced by breaking hyphal filaments into individual units ; fungal spores generated through the disintegration of hyphae into arthrospores that serve in propagation and dispersal
2. Cells produced when fungal filaments break into fragments that each act as independent spores ; a type of asexual spore resulting from the segmentation of hyphae into distinct propagules ; distinct fungal reproductive units formed by septation and separation of hyphal structures to spread organismal growth
3. Asexual reproductive elements created by the splitting of fungal filaments into multiple spore-like cells ; fragmented pieces of hyphae that function as spores for dispersal and reproduction in certain fungi ; spores arising from the breaking apart of fungal hyphae into individual arthrospores facilitating species spread and survival

Etymology: Arthrospores are spores formed when a fungal filament (hypha) breaks apart, with each segment rounding off into its own spore. The name joins "arthro-", from the Greek "arthron" meaning "joint", with "spore", from the Greek "sporos" meaning "seed". The joint image fits the process: the filament is divided at its cross-walls, much as a limb bends at a joint. Because the spores come from the parent filament's own segments rather than from specialised reproductive structures, they are a simple way for a fungus to multiply. Many species produce them, and the pieces can be dispersed by wind or water and germinate into new growth. The plural form "arthrospores" is simply the form used for more than one such spore. Its singular, "arthrospore", is the base word, and the plural follows the ordinary English pattern of adding "-s".

Synonyms: spores, fungal spores, asexual spores