Pronunciation: [ˌa͡ɪsəspˈɒɹɪk] (IPA) 
The word "isosporic" is spelled as /aɪˈsoʊ spɔr ɪk/. The initial "i" is pronounced as "ai", followed by the stressed syllable "so". The "o" is pronounced as the "o" in "no". The second syllable "spor" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, followed by a short "i" sound. The ending "ic" is pronounced as "ik". Overall, the word "isosporic" refers to a type of reproduction in which cells split into equal parts.
Isosporic is an adjective that refers to a characteristic or quality of being isosporic. The term is often used in the field of biology, specifically in relation to certain types of plants and fungi.
In plants, isosporic describes a mode of sexual reproduction wherein the gametes (reproductive cells) involved in the formation of the zygote are morphologically similar or identical in size and structure. This is in contrast to aniso-sporic, where the gametes exhibit dissimilarity in size and/or structure. Isosporic reproduction typically occurs in certain types of algae, mosses, and liverworts. The isosporic condition is significant as it allows for greater genetic variation during sexual reproduction, contributing to the adaptability and diversity of these organisms.
In fungi, isosporic refers to a type of sexual spore formation, specifically in the group known as zygomycetes. Isosporic fungi produce spores called zygospores through a process called isogamy, involving the fusion of gametes that are similar in size and appearance. This is in contrast to anisogamy, where gametes of different sizes unite. The isosporic mode of spore formation is of taxonomic importance, aiding in the classification and identification of various fungal species.
Overall, isosporic is an important term used to describe specific reproductive characteristics in plants and fungi, highlighting the similarity or equality in size and structure of reproductive cells or spores involved in sexual reproduction.
The word "Isosporic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "isos" and "spora".
The root "isos" (ἴσος) means "equal" or "equivalent" in Greek. It is commonly used as a prefix in scientific terms to indicate something that is equal or similar.
The root "spora" (σπορά) means "seed" or "spore" in Greek. It is mainly used to refer to reproductive structures found in plants and fungi.
Thus, when combined, "isospora" refers to something that has equal or similar spores or reproductive structures. In the context of biology, "isosporic" is often used to describe certain organisms or life cycles where the spores are similar or of the same size.
