antheridium
9.9
A structure in mosses and ferns that makes sperm cells
- noun
- /ˌænθəˈrɪdiəm/
- Specialized
:
anteridio
- In mosses, the antheridium releases sperm that swim toward the egg.
Examples
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Each antheridium is responsible for producing several motile antherozoids.
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The antheridium produces male gametes in ferns.
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Scientists observed the formation of an antheridium under the microscope.
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In mosses, the antheridium is crucial for reproduction.
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Each antheridium is responsible for producing several motile antherozoids.
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In mosses, the antheridium releases sperm that swim toward the egg.
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Scientists observed the formation of an antheridium under the microscope.
Surface Forms
antheridium singular
antheridia plural
Morphology
Etymology
Antheridium comes from Greek parts anther 'flower' and -idium 'small thing'. Think of it as a 'little anther'—an anther is the pollen-making part of a flower, so an antheridium is the small male organ in mosses, ferns, and algae that makes the male cells (sperm).
