Definition

Noun 1. A closed, spherical fruiting body in certain fungi: A cleistocarp is a type of reproductive structure, specifically a closed ascocarp (spore-bearing body) found in some groups of fungi, such as the Aspergillaceae and Erysiphaceae families. It does not have a natural opening (ostiole). The spores (ascospores) inside are released only when the structure decays, disintegrates, or is broken open.

Examples of Usage

• The powdery mildew fungus produces a cleistocarp as its sexual reproductive structure.
• Under the microscope, the cleistocarp appeared as a perfect, closed sphere containing numerous asci.
• Unlike perithecia, which have an opening, cleistocarps rely on the decay of the fungal tissue to liberate their spores.

Advanced Usage

• In mycology, the term cleistocarp is often used interchangeably with (plural: cleistothecia), though is more technically precise for ascomycete fungi.
• The formation of a cleistocarp is a key diagnostic feature for identifying fungi in the order Eurotiales.

Variants and Related Words

• Cleistothecium (n): The more specific technical term for a cleistocarp in ascomycetous fungi.
• Ascocarp (n): The general term for the fruiting body of an ascomycete fungus, which includes cleistothecia, perithecia, and apothecia.
• Gymnothecium (n): A loose, net-like fruiting body, contrasting with the closed, solid structure of a cleistocarp.

Synonyms

• Cleistothecium
• Closed ascocarp

Related Terms and Concepts

• Ascospore (n): The sexual spore produced inside an ascus within the cleistocarp.
• Ascomycete (n): The phylum of fungi (Ascomycota) that produce spores in sac-like cells called asci, typically within an ascocarp like a cleistocarp.
• Perithecium (n): A flask-shaped ascocarp with a pore or opening, contrasting with the closed cleistocarp.

Noun

1. closed spore-bearing structure of some fungi (especially Aspergillaceae and Erysiphaceae) from which spores are released only by decay or disintegration