Question

Differentiate between Ascus and Ascocarp.

Answer 1

Hint: An ascus is a structure in which the fusion of haploid nuclei occurs during sexual reproduction, which is followed by reduction division, and as a result, haploid ascospores are formed. Whereas ascocarp is a general term used for the fruiting body of an ascomycete fungus.

Complete answer:
Differentiate between Ascus and Ascocarp are as follows:

Ascus	Ascocarp
The ascus is a saclike structure produced by fungi of the phylum Ascomycota.	Ascocarp is also called ascoma, is the fruiting structure of fungi belonging to the phylum Ascomycota.
Ascus arises from the fungal mycelium which is the filaments, or hyphae, constituting the organism without a definite fruiting structure.	After sexual reproduction has been initiated the ascocarp arises from vegetative filaments hyphae.
In the sac spores (ascospores)are produced asexually, in about four or eight in number.	The different forms of ascocarp named as an apothecium, cleistothecium, or perithecium contain saclike structures that usually bear four to eight ascospores.
It may arise within a fruiting structure (ascocarp) that may be exposed, as in the molds and powdery mildew fungi, or as in the ergot and black knot fungi, it may be embedded in a compact structure stroma.	Apothecia are stalked and saucer or cup-shaped with exposed asci.

Note: -The Geopyxis cacabus produces the largest apothecium, having a stalk of 1 meter or 40 inches high and a cup of 50 centimeters or 20 inches across.
-The cleistothecia are spherical which ruptures or disintegrates to release their ascospores.
-The perithecia are globular or flask-shaped having an apical opening for discharge of ascospores.