SCLEROTIUM Meaning and
Definition
-
A sclerotium is a distinctive structure found in certain fungi and is commonly described as a dense mass of hyphae that has been compacted into a hardened mass. It serves as a survival structure for the fungus, enabling it to endure unfavorable conditions such as extreme temperatures or lack of nutrients. Sclerotia are typically spherical or irregularly-shaped and have a firm, often dark-colored exterior.
These specialized structures are capable of remaining dormant for extended periods, allowing the fungus to persist until conditions become more favorable. Within a sclerotium, the hyphae are tightly intertwined, forming a dense and compact network that provides protection against desiccation, predators, or other physical stressors.
Sclerotia are frequently found underground or within plant tissue, but they can also be observed on the surface of decaying organic matter or in other habitats where fungi thrive. Although sclerotia are often associated with pathogenic fungi that cause plant diseases, they can also be produced by beneficial fungi or saprophytes.
When conditions become favorable, sclerotia can germinate and give rise to new fungal growth, either by producing spores or extending mycelium. This capacity for regeneration contributes to the resilience and reproductive success of fungi.
In summary, a sclerotium is a compact mass of mycelium, serving as a survival structure for certain fungi. It is formed in response to unfavorable conditions, providing protection and enabling the fungus to persist until more conducive environmental conditions arise.
-
A hard compact substance formed of mycelia and reserved food material, representing the resting stage of certain fungi; that of Claviceps purpurea is the ergot of rye.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SCLEROTIUM
- aclerotium
- zclerotium
- xclerotium
- dclerotium
- eclerotium
- wclerotium
- sxlerotium
- svlerotium
- sflerotium
- sdlerotium
- sckerotium
- scperotium
- scoerotium
- sclwrotium
- sclsrotium
- scldrotium
- sclrrotium
- scl4rotium
- scl3rotium
Etymology of SCLEROTIUM
The word "sclerotium" is derived from the Greek word "skleros", meaning hard, and the suffix "-tium", which is commonly used to denote a structure or body part. In the context of mycology, a sclerotium refers to a compact mass of mycelium (the vegetative part of fungi) that serves as a dormant or resting stage.
Similar spelling words for SCLEROTIUM
- scleroparei,
- schiller,
- sclerotomy,
- schlereth,
- sclerometer,
- scleritis,
- schaller,
- schooler,
- sclerotinia,
- scleranthus,
- sclerosed,
- sculler,
- sclerite,
- Schuyler,
- sclerotic,
- schueler,
- scleroprotein,
- scleroderma,
- schuler,
- sclerosis,
- sclerodema,
- schuller.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
