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Glite Dictionary
archegonium

archegonium

9.9
A structure in mosses, ferns, and conifers that makes one egg cell for reproduction
  • noun
  • /ˌɑrkɪˈɡoʊniəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arquegonio
  • An archegonium consists of cells that form a short neck that protrudes from the surface of the essentially two-dimensional gametophyte and an egg cell that is located within the gametophyte at the base of the neck.
  • a receptive archegonium

Examples

  • The archegonium contains a single egg cell essential for the reproduction of ferns.

  • If water is added to a mature culture, many sperm are released from the antheridia and swim about actively in search of a receptive archegonium containing an egg.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Large masses of sperm rapidly locate and surround the receptive archegonium.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Sperm show a positive chemotactic response to the cellular contents that are discharged from the neck of a receptive archegonium, typically one per hermaphroditic gametophyte.

    Academic text (1998)

  • During fertilization, sperm swim toward the archegonium, where the egg is waiting.

  • In mosses, the archegonium is crucial for producing gametes that ensure species continuation.

Synonyms

oogonium
vsarchegonium
  • Specialized
9.9

A structure in some algae and fungi that makes and holds an egg cell before fertilization

is similar but occurs in mosses, ferns and most gymnosperms holding one egg cell

Surface Forms

archegonium singular
archegonia plural

Etymology

Archegonium comes from Greek parts arche- meaning 'beginning' and -gonia meaning 'birth' or 'offspring'. So an archegonium is literally the 'place where new life begins', which fits because it is the female organ that contains a single egg.