Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Spores are small, often single-celled reproductive structures produced by certain organisms. They are typically resistant to adverse environmental conditions, such as desiccation or extreme temperatures, allowing them to survive harsh periods.
Types of Organisms that Use Spore Formation: Fungi: Many fungi reproduce asexually by producing spores. Examples include mushrooms, molds, and yeast. Plants: Some plants, such as ferns and mosses, reproduce through spore formation in addition to sexual reproduction. Bacteria: Certain bacteria, like Clostridium and Bacillus species, can form endospores, which are highly durable structures for surviving unfavorable conditions.
Process of Spore Formation:
Organisms undergoing asexual reproduction by spore formation develop specialized structures, such as sporangia in fungi or sporophytes in plants, to produce spores. These structures protect and encase the spores during their development. When conditions are suitable, these structures release the mature spores into the environment.