Special types of reproductive cells are formed in asexual reproduction in fungi. They are known as spores. Spores formed by mitosis are known as mitospores whereas some spores are produced after meiosis and they are called meiospores. Many kinds of asexual spores are formed in fungi :
(i) Zoospores: Zoospores are motile, e.g., Phycomycetes. They may have one or two flagella. On germination, zoospores produces new mycelium.
(ii) Sporangiospores: They are non-flagellate spores that develop inside sporangia. They are usually dispersed by air currents, e.g., mucor, Rhizopus.
(iii) Oidia : Some oval or spherical spores are found in Rhizopus. They are formed by the small segment of hyphae under condition of excess water, sugar and salts.
(iv) Conidia: Conidia are formed in some fungi as a means of asexual reproduction. They are born on conidiospores e.g. Penicillium.
(v) Chlamydospores: Thick walled resting spores are produced in some fungi. They may be terminal or intercalary.
