Antheridium
Antheridium
Antheridium (/ænˈθɛrɪdiəm/; plural: antheridia) is the male sex organ of algae, mosses, ferns, fungi, and other non-flowering plants.
Etymology
The term "antheridium" is derived from the Greek words "ἀνθηρός" (antheros), meaning "blooming", and "-idium", a diminutive suffix.
Definition
An antheridium is a structure that produces and contains male gametes, known as spermatozoids or antherozoids. These are released in the presence of water, which carries them to the female sex organ, or archegonium, where fertilization occurs.
Structure
An antheridium typically consists of a layer of sterile cells surrounding one or more layers of fertile cells. The fertile cells undergo meiosis to produce the haploid spermatozoids. In many species, the antheridium is a complex structure, often embedded in the plant's tissue, and may be associated with protective structures.
Function
The primary function of the antheridium is to produce and release spermatozoids for the purpose of fertilization. This process is a key part of the sexual reproduction cycle in non-flowering plants.
Related Terms
- Gametophyte: The haploid phase of the plant life cycle, which produces gametes.
- Sporophyte: The diploid phase of the plant life cycle, which produces spores.
- Archegonium: The female sex organ in non-flowering plants.
- Spermatozoid: The male gamete produced by the antheridium.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antheridium
- Wikipedia's article - Antheridium
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