Spore
/spɔr/
Definition
Spore refers to a microscopic reproductive cell that can grow into a new organism without fusing with another cell. In plant-related biology, it is produced by ferns, mosses, and many fungi, and is usually released from specialized structures such as sporangia. Unlike a seed, a spore contains no embryo or stored food supply. It disperses by air or water and develops under suitable conditions.
Role in Plant Biology
- Alternation of generations: In ferns, mosses, and related plants, spore is the stage that starts the gametophyte generation, linking one phase of the life cycle to the next.
- Dispersal without seeds: Because spore is usually tiny and light, it can travel by wind or water, helping non-seed plants spread into new sites.
- Key to plant classification: The presence, arrangement, and release of spore help botanists identify and classify groups such as ferns, clubmosses, and horsetails.
- Propagation in horticulture: Gardeners and growers can raise some ferns from spore, but the process is slower and more delicate than propagation by division or cuttings.
Related Terms
Sporangium
Sporangium is a spore-producing structure found in plants, algae, fungi, and some plant-like organisms. In land plants…
Sporophyte
Sporophyte refers to the diploid, spore-producing stage in a plant’s life cycle. It develops from the fertilized egg…
Microspore
Microspore refers to the small spore produced in the male sporangia of seed plants and many other land plants. It is…
Megaspore
Megaspore refers to the larger of the two spore types produced by heterosporous plants and seed plants. It forms inside…
Sporophyll
Sporophyll refers to a spore-bearing leaf or leaf-like structure, a specialized plant organ that produces sporangia…
Sorus
Sorus refers to a cluster of spore-producing structures, most commonly found on the underside or edge of fern fronds…
Tubercle
Tubercle refers to a small, rounded, wart-like projection on a plant part, especially on stems, leaves, seeds, or some…