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isogamous

isogamous

9.9
A type of reproduction where sex cells are the same size and shape
  • adjective
  • /ˌaɪsəˈɡæməs/
  • Specialized
: isógamo
  • Are we studying the characteristics of isogamous organisms that produce gametes of the same size?
  • isogamous algae

Examples

  • In this article, we describe recent findings regarding the mechanisms of organelle genome transmission in asexually reproducing red algae, isogamous green algae, and isogamous and oogamous plants, in order of I-V in Figure 1.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Now mating types occur at this stage with isogamous organisms and they reduce inbreeding.

  • Cytoplasmic inheritance in isogamous algae

    Academic text (1996)
  • In this article, we describe recent findings regarding the mechanisms of organelle genome transmission in asexually reproducing red algae, isogamous green algae, and isogamous and oogamous plants, in order of I-V in Figure 1.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The research examined how isogamous species reproduce through sex cells that are similar in form.

  • In aquatic environments, many isogamous plants produce identical gametes for successful reproduction.

Surface Forms

isogamous positive

Morphology

isogamous = isogamy (semi-transparent) = iso + gam + ous

The adjective is formed by a regular noun-to-adjective suffixation (isogamy → isogamous), but the combining element 'iso-' and the root 'gam' are specialized/technical morphemes not familiar to average learners.

Etymology

Isogamous comes from the parts iso- meaning 'equal' and -gamous meaning 'marriage' or 'union', as in monogamy. So, isogamous reproduction is like an 'equal marriage' of two 'sex cells' — they look the same and are the same size.