Ascomycete structures: Ascospores contained within sac-like asci are housed in which fruiting body?

Introduction / Context:
Fungal reproduction features specialized structures that aid in classification. In the phylum Ascomycota, sexual spores called ascospores develop within sac-like asci, which themselves are embedded in a fruiting body.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Focus on sexual structures of Ascomycota.
• Terminology differentiates fruiting bodies across fungal groups.
• Asci and ascospores are hallmark features of ascomycetes.

Concept / Approach:
An ascocarp (also called ascoma) houses asci; common forms include apothecia (cup-shaped), perithecia (flask-shaped), and cleistothecia (closed). By contrast, conidiocarps bear asexual conidia, sorocarps occur in slime molds (cellular social amoebae), plasmodiocarps in plasmodial slime molds, and basidiocarps are the sexual fruiting bodies of basidiomycetes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify asci and ascospores as ascomycete sexual structures. Recall the collective housing term: ascocarp. Exclude structures from other groups (conidiocarp, sorocarp, plasmodiocarp, basidiocarp). Select “Ascocarps.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Microscopy of cup fungi shows asci lining the hymenial surface of the ascocarp.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Conidiocarps: Asexual spore-bearing structures.
• Sorocarps/Plasmodiocarps: Slime mold structures, not true fungi.
• Basidiocarps: Fruit bodies of Basidiomycota, not Ascomycota.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing asexual conidia with sexual ascospores; they arise in different structures.

Final Answer:
Ascocarps.