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Glite Dictionary
micropylar

micropylar

9.9
Near the small opening of an egg or plant ovule where pollen enters
  • adjective
  • /ˌmaɪkroʊˈpaɪlər/
  • Specialized
: micropilar
  • The sperm enters the egg cell through the micropylar opening during fertilization in many flowering plants.

Examples

  • The orientation of the embryo is often determined by its position relative to the micropylar end.

  • Many plant biologists examined the micropylar region to understand pollen tube guidance during fertilization.

  • The micropylar end is crucial.

  • Look at the micropylar opening!

  • Many plant biologists examined the micropylar region to understand pollen tube guidance during fertilization.

  • The orientation of the embryo is often determined by its position relative to the micropylar end.

  • The sperm enters the egg cell through the micropylar opening during fertilization in many flowering plants.

Surface Forms

micropylar positive

Morphology

micropylar = micropyle (transparent) = micropyle + ar

Formed by adding the adjectival suffix '-ar' to 'micropyle', so the meaning is directly 'relating to the micropyle', although both terms are technical.

Etymology

Micropylar comes from micro- 'small' and the Greek root púlē 'gate', so it means a 'small gate'. So micropylar describes the tiny opening in an egg or seed where pollen or sperm enters.