gametangium

(noun)

an organ or cell in which gametes are produced that is found in many multicellular protists, algae, fungi, and the gametophytes of plants

Related Terms

Examples of gametangium in the following topics:

  • Sporophytes and Gametophytes in Seedless Plants

    • Gametangia (singular, gametangium) are organs observed on multicellular haploid gametophytes.
    • The male gametangium (antheridium) releases sperm.
    • Many seedless plants produce sperm equipped with flagella that enable them to swim in a moist environment to the archegonia: the female gametangium.

  • Zygomycota: The Conjugated Fungi

    • Two opposing mating strains (type + and type –) must be in close proximity for gametangia (singular: gametangium) from the hyphae to be produced and fuse, leading to karyogamy .

  • Fungi Reproduction

    • Finally, meiosis takes place in the gametangia (singular, gametangium) organs, in which gametes of different mating types are generated.

  • Plant Adaptations to Life on Land

    • Four major adaptations are found in all terrestrial plants: the alternation of generations, a sporangium in which the spores are formed, a gametangium that produces haploid cells, and apical meristem tissue in roots and shoots.

  • Liverworts and Hornworts

    • Once released, male gametes swim with the aid of their flagella to the female gametangium (the archegonium), and fertilization ensues.