Fungal Biology Glossary

noun a reproductive cell or spore produced at the tip or apex of a filament in certain algae and fungi

• The acrospore is the uppermost cell of a spore-bearing structure in mosses and liverworts.
• The acrospore is like the boss cell of a moss or liverwort spore structure.
• That acrospore is the top dog of the spore world.
• Just like the acrospore leads the way in moss reproduction, you can be the leader in your own life.

adjective relating to or characteristic of aecia, which are specialized structures in certain fungi where spores are produced

• The aecial stage of the rust fungus is responsible for producing spores.
• Have you seen the aecial growth on the leaves of that plant?
• That aecial stuff looks weird, doesn't it?
• The aecial stage represents a crucial point in the life cycle of the fungus.