Fungi that reproduce sexually by generating eight spores per spore-containing sac.

The of the ascomycete are known as ascocarps, which display asci that in turn produce . Included among the ascomycete are , , yeasts, the molds and , and certain .

Ecologically, ascomycete include decomposers, endophytes, , mycorrhyzae, and the fungal portion of many lichens.

Contrast ascomycete with basidiomycete.