ASCOCARP Meaning and
Definition
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An ascocarp is a specialized fungal structure in the class Ascomycetes, which serves as the reproductive organ for many species within this group. It is a fruiting body that is typically shaped like a cup or flask and contains saclike structures called asci.
The ascocarp develops from a mating of two compatible hyphae, usually of different mating types. It grows after the fusion of these hyphae, resulting in the formation of dikaryotic mycelium. This dikaryotic mycelium then undergoes a series of differentiation processes, eventually leading to the formation of the ascocarp.
Within the ascocarp, individual asci are embedded in a network of hyphae called medullary tissue. Each ascus contains typically eight ascospores, which are the primary means of reproduction for the fungus. The ascospores are usually forcibly discharged from the ascus, contributing to the dispersal and spread of the fungus.
The ascocarp is an important structure in the life cycle of ascomycetes, as it enables them to produce and release large numbers of ascospores. These microscopic spores are dispersed by various means, such as wind, water, or animals, allowing the fungus to colonize new habitats and reproduce successfully. Additionally, ascocarps often exhibit various shapes, colors, and textures, making them visually distinctive features in the natural environment.
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The sporocarp of Ascamycetes, producing asci and ascospores.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ASCOCARP
- zscocarp
- sscocarp
- wscocarp
- qscocarp
- aacocarp
- azcocarp
- axcocarp
- adcocarp
- aecocarp
- awcocarp
- asxocarp
- asvocarp
- asfocarp
- asdocarp
- ascicarp
- asckcarp
- asclcarp
- ascpcarp
- asc0carp
Etymology of ASCOCARP
The word "ascocarp" is derived from two parts: "asco-" and "-carp".
The first part, "asco-", originates from the Greek word "askos", meaning "a bag" or "a sac". In this context, it refers to a specialized sac-like structure found in certain fungi.
The second part, "-carp", is derived from the Greek word "karpos", meaning "fruit" or "crop". It is commonly used as a suffix in biological terminology to describe a structure that produces or bears fruit. In the case of "ascocarp", it refers to the fruiting body of fungi that belong to the phylum Ascomycota.
Therefore, combining these two components, "ascocarp" literally translates to "ascus-fruit", indicating the fruiting structure of ascomycete fungi.
Similar spelling words for ASCOCARP
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