microgametophyte
Quick Summary
The microgametophyte is the male gametophyte, which develops from a microspore. In seed plants like gymnosperms and angiosperms, the sporophyte generation is dominant, while the gametophyte generation is reduced and dependent on the sporophyte for nourishment.123
In gymnosperms, microspores are produced in microsporangia within pollen cones. These microspores germinate into pollen grains, which are the male gametophytes. These are then transported to the female ovules for pollination.2
In angiosperms, the microgametophyte, also known as the pollen grain, is typically reduced to three cells. After pollination, it germinates into a pollen tube, which produces the male gametes (sperm).3
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angiospermGeneral featuresA two-celled microgametophyte called a pollen grain germinates into a pollen tube and through division produces the haploid sperm. (The prefix micro- denotes gametophytes emanating from a male reproductive organ.) An eight-celled megagametophyte called the embryo sac produces the egg. (The prefix mega- denotes gametophytes emanating from…
Read MoreA two-celled microgametophyte called a pollen grain germinates into a pollen tube and through division produces the haploid sperm. (The prefix micro- denotes gametophytes emanating from a male reproductive organ.) An eight-celled megagametophyte called the embryo sac produces the egg. (The prefix mega- denotes gametophytes emanating from…
Read More- angiospermAnthers
…mitotically to form a two-celled microgametophyte; one cell is a tube cell (the cell that develops into a pollen tube), and the other is a generative cell, which will give rise to two sperm as a result of a further mitotic division. Thus, a mature microgametophyte consists of only three…
Read More…mitotically to form a two-celled microgametophyte; one cell is a tube cell (the cell that develops into a pollen tube), and the other is a generative cell, which will give rise to two sperm as a result of a further mitotic division. Thus, a mature microgametophyte consists of only three…
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lycophyteLife cycle…of the male gametophyte, or microgametophyte, usually occurs on the soil prior to the release of biflagellate sperm.
Read More…of the male gametophyte, or microgametophyte, usually occurs on the soil prior to the release of biflagellate sperm.
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