anisogamete

9.9

A sex cell that is larger or smaller than its partner

noun
/ˌænɪsoʊˈɡæmiːt/

Specialized

: anisogameto

In many algae, reproduction occurs by fusion of a large anisogamete and a smaller one.

Examples

Some organisms produce both anisogametes and isogametes.
In species with anisogametes, the larger one is typically the female gamete, while the smaller one is male.
Scientists compared the DNA content of each anisogamete to understand fertility.
The presence of an anisogamete indicates a difference between male and female gametes.
An anisogamete is essential for sexual reproduction in many species.
In many algae, reproduction involves the fusion of two anisogametes of different sizes: one larger and one smaller.
The study focused on the characteristics of an anisogamete, particularly its role in sexual reproduction.

Synonyms

gamete

vsanisogamete

Specialized

3 7.9

A cell like a sperm or egg that joins another cell to make a new living thing

is a specific pair of reproductive cells differing in size or form

Surface Forms

anisogamete singular

anisogametes plural

Morphology

anisogamete = gamete (semi-transparent) = aniso + gamete

Formed by the scientific combining form 'aniso-' (unequal) plus 'gamete'; the composition is clear to learners familiar with scientific morphology but the prefix is specialized for average B1 learners.

Etymology

Anisogamete joins aniso- meaning 'unequal' and gamete meaning 'sex cell', and you can remember the 'gam' part from polygamy where it means 'marriage' or 'joining'. So an anisogamete is a sex cell that is 'unequal' in size or form compared with its partner.