Definition

A type of fungus that is used in genetic research and has distinctive black fruiting bodies. Some species can produce orange spore masses and are known to damage baked goods.

Example

Researchers often use neurospora in their experiments to study genetic mutations.

Conversation

Have you heard about neurospora?

Yeah, I think it’s some kind of fungus used in research, right?

Exactly! It's pretty interesting how it can impact bakeries too.

I know, right? It's amazing how something so small can cause such big problems.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Neurospora → It is formed from "neuro-" (from Greek "neuron", meaning nerve) and "spora" (from Greek "spora", meaning seed or sowing). The word refers to a type of fungus characterized by its spore-producing structures, relating to the nerve-like appearance of its hyphae.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nerve' ('neuro-') and 'seed' ('spora') to remember that 'neurospora' refers to a fungus that produces spores, resembling nerve-like structures.

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