Apical Apparatus - LIAS Glossary

This is a test version of the LIAS Glossary. Many definitions presented here are still in need of revision! Criticism as well as collaboration is welcome!

apical apparatus (noun, ascus term, pl. apical apparatus or apical apparatuses) – the functional wall layers of the tholus; responsible for spore discharge during ascus dehiscence, actively and forcibly ejecting spores through discharge mechanisms or passively releasing them through the axial canal and ascus pore. In some asci the apical apparatus is strongly reduced and no longer functional and these asci then typically release their spores by disintegration (see prototunicate, verrucaroid). This is: part of ascus.

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Referenced by: Apical Apparatuses, Lecanoralean, Predehiscence, Tholus

Resources: Flora Australia Fungi