🧬 Egg-forming cell 🧫 Egg structure

oogonium

9.9

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

noun
/ˌoʊɡəˈnoʊmiəm/

Specialized

: oogonio

In some algae, the oogonium contains a single large egg cell ready for fertilization.

Examples

After fertilization, the oogonium develops into an oospore that can survive harsh conditions.
The scientist observed the oogonium under the microscope to study its development.
An oogonium is essential for the reproduction of certain algae.
The oogonium produces eggs.
In some algae, the oogonium contains a single large egg cell ready for fertilization.
The scientist observed the oogonium under the microscope to study its development.
An oogonium is essential for the reproduction of certain algae.

Synonyms

archegonium

vsoogonium

Specialized

9.9

A structure in mosses, ferns, and conifers that makes one egg cell for reproduction

is the female structure found in algae and fungi rather than land plants

gametangium

vsoogonium

Specialized

9.9

A cell or small organ where sex cells are made in plants, fungi, and algae

is specifically a female structure that produces and holds an egg before fertilization

pycnium

vsoogonium

Specialized

9.9

A small bottle-shaped part of some fungi where they make cells for reproduction

is a female organ that specifically contains an egg cell before fertilization

Surface Forms

oogonium singular

oogonia plural

Morphology

oogonium = oo + gonium

Formed from specialized Greek combining forms ('oo-' meaning egg + '-gonium' a reproductive structure) that are not productive standalone English words, so an average B1 learner would not be able to derive the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Oogonium comes from Greek parts oo- meaning 'egg' and -gonium meaning 'producer' or 'seed', so the word literally points to something that makes or holds an egg; that is why an oogonium is the female structure in algae and fungi that contains the egg before fertilization.