spore

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spore
1. (mycol.) A microscopic structure which functions in reproduction and dispersal. A spore does not contain an embryo and thus is distinct from a seed. Many different types of spore are produced by fungi
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2. (bacteriol.) A differentiated cell which may function as a propagule or as a resistant structure that allows the organism to survive adverse environmental conditions. See also HETEROSPORY; HOMOSPORY; MEGASPORE; MICROSPORE; and POLLEN.

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