spore (redirected from megaspore)

spore (spor)

1. a refractile, oval body formed within bacteria, especially Bacillus and Clostridium, which is regarded as a resting stage during the life history of the cell, and is characterized by its resistance to environmental changes.

2. the reproductive element, produced sexually or asexually, of one of the lower organisms, such as protozoa, fungi, algae, etc.

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spore (spôr)

n.

1. A small, usually single-celled asexual or sexual reproductive body that is highly resistant to desiccation and heat and is capable of growing into a new organism, produced especially by certain bacteria, fungi, algae, and nonflowering plants.

2. A dormant, nonreproductive body formed by certain bacteria in response to adverse environmental conditions.

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spo·raceous (sp-rshs, spô-) adj.

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Spore

A dormant form assumed by some bacteria, such as anthrax, that enable the bacterium to survive high temperatures, dryness, and lack of nourishment for long periods of time. Under proper conditions, the spore may revert to the actively multiplying form of the bacteria.

Mentioned in: Anthrax, Cryptosporidiosis, Cyclosporiasis

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spore

Etymology: Gk, sporos, seed

1 a reproductive unit of some genera of fungi or protozoa.

2 a form assumed by some bacteria that is resistant to heat, drying, and chemicals. Under proper environmental conditions the spore may revert to the actively multiplying form of the bacterium. Diseases caused by spore-forming bacteria include anthrax, botulism, gas gangrene, and tetanus.

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spore,

n 1. a reproductive unit of some genera of fungi and protozoa.
2. a form assumed by some bacteria that is resistant to heat, drying, and chemicals. Diseases caused by spore-forming bacteria include anthrax, botulism, gas gangrene, and tetanus.

spore testing,

n a procedure in which test strips or receptacles containing microorganisms are checked for positive color changes or negative growth to verify that a sterilization technique is effective. See also B. stearothermophilus.

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spore

1. a refractile, oval or spherical body formed within bacteria, especially Bacillus and Clostridium spp., usually under adverse conditions such as nutritional deprivation, and which is regarded as a fully infectious, resting stage during the life cycle of the cell. Spores are inactive metabolically, highly resistant to environmental changes and may survive, for example in soil, for many years. Bacterial spores come in various shapes and are given illustrative names such as drumstick, terminal and subterminal.

2. the reproductive element, produced sexually or asexually, of organisms, such as protozoa, fungi or algae.

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spore former

a bacteria or other small life form that forms spores.