CLASS II. ASCOMYCETES These fungi are characterized by their mode of reproduction, viz., by spores originating inside special cells called asci. The spores (ascospores, endospores, gonidia) inside the asci generally number fouror eight or a multiple of eight. While these fungi live a parasitic life, asci are not found, and reproduction takes place by germination and conidia. The fungi belonging to this order are often pleomorphic, their morphologic characters changing according to the medium on which they live. Classification.— Ascomycetesare divided into the following subclasses: Asci with varying number of spores, usually numerous—Hemiascomycetes. Asci with a definite number of spores. Asci separate or scattered—Protoascomycetes. Asci approximate, usually forming a hymenium—Euascomycetes. Subclass Protoascomycetes The subclassProtoascomycetescontains a single order, theSaccharomycetales. ORDER SACCHAROMYCETALES This order is divided into two families as follows: Vegetative cells single or loosely attached in irregular colonies Saccharomycetaceae. Vegetative cells forming a mycelium Endomycetaceae. FamilySaccharomycetaceaeRees, 1870. Definition.— Protoascomycetes with vegetative cells, single or loosely attached in irregular colonies; mycelium not usually developed; asci