Ascomycete
A fungus that forms its sexual spores inside a special cell called the ascus. Because the ascus is often sac-shaped, the ascomycetes are sometimes referred to as sac fungi. The spores are termed ascospores. Usually there are eight ascospores formed in each ascus, but the number can vary from one to more than one hundred, depending upon the species. The ascomycetes comprise the largest of the major groups of fungi and includes the cup fungi and the yeasts. They are very important economically as the cause of diseases of plants and animals, and as producers of antibiotics and other commercially important compounds.
Did you know?
Morels, truffles, yeasts, and many cup fungi are ascomycetes that produce spores inside tiny sac-like cells.
