Ascospore vs. Zygospore — What's the Difference?

An ascospore is a spore contained in an ascus or that was produced inside an ascus. This kind of spore is specific to fungi classified as ascomycetes (Ascomycota).

A zygospore is a diploid reproductive stage in the life cycle of many fungi and protists. Zygospores are created by the nuclear fusion of haploid cells.

A spore formed within an ascus.

A thick-walled diploid or multinucleate spore formed by the union of similar gametes in certain fungi and algae.

(biology) A sexually produced spore from the ascus of an Ascomycetes fungus

(botany) A zygosperm.

One of the spores contained in the asci of lichens and fungi. [See Illust. of Ascus.]

(botany) A spore formed by the union of several zoospores.

Sexually produced fungal spore formed within an ascus

Same as Zygosperm.

A plant spore formed by two similar sexual cells