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Spore-case

In the early stages of a developing spore-case the cells may be distinguished as forming two groups, first an outer wall consisting of a number of layers of cells and second an inner mass of cells; the outer wall is separated from the inner mass by a space filled with air. The centre portion of the inner mass will become the columella and the enclosing stratum of cells (arche-sporium-beginning of spores), will be the "mother-cells" of the spores. Just outside the mother-cells between them and the air-space will be a layer of cells (the endothecium).