See also: Ascus

English

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asci containing fungal spores.

Etymology

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From New Latin ascus, from Ancient Greek ἀσκός (askós, a sac). Doublet of askos.

Noun

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ascus (plural asci)

  1. (mycology) A sac-shaped cell present in ascomycete fungi; it is a reproductive cell in which meiosis and an additional cell division produce eight spores.
    • 1967, Constantine. J. Alexopoulos, Harold C. Bold, Algae and Fungi, page 101:
      The one important character which distinguishes the Ascomycetes from all other fungi is the ascus (plural, asci). This is a sac-like structure in which ascospores are formed following karyogamy and meiosis.

Derived terms

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Translations

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Further reading

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