Summary Ascospores of N eosartorya , B yssochlamys and T alaromyces can be regarded as the most stress‐resistant eukaryotic cells. They can survive exposure at temperatures as high as 85° C for 100 min or more. N eosartorya fischeri ascospores are more viscous and more resistant to the combined stress of heat and desiccation than the ascospores of T alaromyces macrosporus which contain predominantly trehalose. These ascospores...

Summary Fungal propagules survive stresses better than vegetative cells. N eosartorya fischeri, an A spergillus teleomorph, forms ascospores that survive high temperatures or drying followed by heat. Not much is known about maturation and development of extreme stress resistance in fungal cells. This study provides a novel two‐step model for the acquisition of extreme stress resistance and entry into dormancy. Ascospores of 11...