What is the Difference Between Arthrospores and Chlamydospore?

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Arthrospores and chlamydospores are two types of asexual fungal spores that serve as resting spores and usually develop under unfavorable conditions for somatic growth. They are formed from pre-existing hyphae and are thallospores. However, there are some differences between them:

  • Formation: Arthrospores are formed when septate hyphae disarticulate into separate cells, while chlamydospores are formed by segmentation of mycelium.
  • Structure: Arthrospores are isolated vegetative cells of fungi that have passed into a resting state, whereas chlamydospores are thick-walled, large, and pigmented.
  • Separation: Unlike arthrospores, which separate from the hyphae, chlamydospores are released after hyphal death.

In summary, arthrospores are formed by the breaking off of the last cells of fungal hyphae and have a more simple structure, while chlamydospores develop through rounding off and thickening the cell walls of the terminal cell of the hypha and have a more complex structure.

Comparative Table: Arthrospores vs Chlamydospore

Here is a table highlighting the differences between arthrospores and chlamydospores:

Characteristic Arthrospores Chlamydospores
Definition Arthrospores are isolated vegetative cells that have passed into a resting state. Chlamydospores are genetically identical to parent hyphae and are able to survive under unfavorable conditions.
Formation Arthrospores are formed by the breaking off of the last cells of fungal hyphae. Chlamydospores are formed by rounding off and thickening the cell walls of the terminal cell of the hypha.
Cell Structure Arthrospores are single, slightly thickened cells. Chlamydospores are multicellular, dark-colored, spherical, and have a smooth surface.
Cytoplasm Arthrospores do not have food reserves in their cytoplasm. Chlamydospores have food reserves in their cytoplasm to consume during unfavorable conditions.
Release Arthrospores separate from the hypha. Chlamydospores are released after hyphal death.

Both arthrospores and chlamydospores are types of asexual spores produced by fungi for reproduction and survival purposes.