Microgametophyte: meaning, definitions and examples
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microgametophyte
[ maɪkroʊɡəˈmiːtəfaɪt ]
botany, reproduction
A microgametophyte is a haploid structure in plants that produces male gametes. Specifically, it represents the male gametophyte stage in the life cycle of certain plants, especially mosses and some ferns. Microgametophytes are typically smaller than their female counterparts and eventually lead to the formation of sperm cells necessary for fertilization.
Synonyms
haploid phase, male gametophyte, sperm-producing structure
Examples of usage
- The microgametophyte plays a crucial role in the fertilization process of bryophytes.
- In ferns, the microgametophyte develops from a spore and contains reproductive structures.
- Understanding the development of the microgametophyte can provide insights into plant evolution.
Translations
Translations of the word "microgametophyte" in other languages:
🇵🇹 microgametófito
🇮🇳 सूक्ष्मगमेटोफाइट
🇩🇪 Mikrogametophyt
🇮🇩 mikrogametofit
🇺🇦 мікроґаметофіт
🇵🇱 mikrogametofit
🇯🇵 マイクログametophyte
🇫🇷 microgamétophyte
🇪🇸 microgametófito
🇹🇷 mikrogametofit
🇰🇷 미세생식체
🇸🇦 المجموعة الدقيقة
🇨🇿 mikrogametofyt
🇸🇰 mikrogametofyt
🇨🇳 微配子体
🇸🇮 mikrogametofit
🇮🇸 smáfrumufjölgun
🇰🇿 микроГаметофит
🇬🇪 მიკროგამეტოფიტი
🇦🇿 mikrogametofit
🇲🇽 microgametófito
Etymology
The term 'microgametophyte' is derived from the Greek prefix 'micro-', meaning small, and 'gametophyte', which combines 'gamete' from Greek 'gametēs' meaning a spouse or mate, and 'phyte' from 'phyton', meaning plant. The concept emerged in the field of botany during the 19th century, as scientists began to unravel the complex life cycles of various plants, particularly those exhibiting alternation of generations, such as bryophytes and ferns. In this context, the microgametophyte is identified as the male phase of the gametophyte generation, distinctly smaller and specialized in producing male gametes. This classification has since been critical in the study of plant reproduction and evolutionary biology.