Ascomycete

/ˌæs.koʊˈmaɪ.siːt/ noun

Definition

A fungus belonging to the division or phylum Ascomycota, characterized by producing spores in sac-like structures called asci.

Etymology

From New Latin, combining Greek askos (wineskin, bladder) + myces (fungus). The term was coined in the 1800s as microscopists discovered that fungi had two distinct sexual spore-producing systems.

Kelly Says

Ascomycetes are the largest group of fungi on Earth—over 60% of all known fungi are ascomycetes, including the yeasts that ferment your beer and the molds that create blue cheese.

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