Definition
A tetraspore is a spore produced by certain red algae during the asexual phase of their life cycle. Think of it like a plant 'clone' packet! It arises after meiosis and is typically arranged in a group of four (a tetrad). Each tetraspore can grow into a new alga. They are released and dispersed to new locations. They play a crucial role in red algal reproduction. It's a simple and effective way to spread!