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sporangium

sporangium

9.9
A small part in fungi or some plants that makes and holds spores
  • noun
  • /spəˈræn.dʒi.əm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : esporangio
  • In ferns, the sporangium is usually located on the underside of the leaves.

Examples

  • The scientist observed the sporangium under a microscope to study its structure.

  • The researcher explained how the sporangium releases spores into the environment for reproduction.

  • This is a sporangium, a seed pod.

  • Then it will explode out of its head with sporangia and the spores will spread, fall to the ground, infect more ants.

Synonyms

spore case
vssporangium
  • Specialized
7.2

A small bag on a plant or fungus that holds tiny parts for making new plants

is the specific scientific structure where spores are produced
spore sac
vssporangium
  • Specialized
8.0

A small baglike part on ferns and fungi that holds tiny cells that grow into new plants

is the broader reproductive structure found across fungi algae and some plants
tetrasporangium
vssporangium
  • Specialized
9.9

A small sac that holds four spores, usually in algae or fungi

is the general spore producing structure not limited to four spores
leptosporangium
vssporangium
  • Specialized
9.9

A small part of a fern that makes and holds spores

is the broader reproductive organ that can develop from various tissues
eusporangium
vssporangium
  • Specialized
9.9

A spore case in some plants that develops from several surface cells

is the general spore forming structure not defined by this development pattern
megasporangium
vssporangium
  • Specialized
9.9

A part of some plants that makes large spores that grow into new plants, like in ferns and seed plants

is the general spore producing structure not restricted to large spores
macrosporangium
vssporangium
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant part that makes large spores called megaspores in seed plants and some ferns

is the broader spore producing organ not limited to seed plant contexts
microsporangium
vssporangium
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant part that makes tiny spores that develop into pollen in male flowers or cones

is the general structure that can produce spores without male specialization

Surface Forms

sporangium singular
sporangia plural

Morphology

sporangium = spore (semi-transparent) = spor + angium

The element 'spor-' clearly relates to the common word 'spore', but '-angium' is an obscure specialized combining form meaning 'vessel', so the full sense ('spore-vessel') may not be obvious to average learners.

Etymology

Sporangium comes from Greek roots spora meaning 'spore' or 'seed' and angeion meaning 'vessel' or 'container'. So a sporangium is like a 'spore vessel' that holds and then releases spores in fungi, algae, and some plants.