Question

What are spores?

Answer 1

Spores are primary agents of asexual reproduction. They are reproductive cells that are capable of developing into new individuals through asexual reproduction, i.e., without fertilizing with another reproductive cell.

Complete answer:
Spores are produced by fungi, algae, plants and bacteria.
Bacterial spores: Bacterial spores serve as a dormant stage to preserve the bacterium through unfavorable conditions such as harsh climate. They are highly resistant and help the organism in surviving. Spores are highly resistant to heat, radiation, dehydration, and chemicals. Spores are also formed when the concentration of carbon and nitrogen in the bacteria is highly depleted.
Fungal spore: Fungal spores are reproductive spores that are formed as a result of asexual or sexual reproduction. They are haploid and divide by the process of mitosis. Mitosis forms dikaryotic spores due to the fusion of two haploid cells. These cells undergo meiosis to produce diploid spores. These spores grow to become new individuals in a favorable environment.
Algal spores: Algal spores are mainly produced by asexual reproduction but are also produced through sexual reproduction. Species of red algae produce spores. These spores are dispersed through water bodies where they germinate into new individuals. Algae produce both motile and non-motile spores. Green algae produce non-motile spores known as the aplanospores.
Plant spores: Vascular plants produce spores. The plants produce a sporophytic generation which gives rise to haploid spores. These spores are produced in seedless plants such as mosses, liverworts, hornworts, etc.

Note:
Spores are classified based on structure as sporangiospores which are the spores that are produced by sporangium. Zygospores are those that are produced by zygosporangium. Ascospores are spores that are produced by an ascus. Basidiospores are spores that are produced by a basidium.