ANTHEROZOID Meaning and
Definition
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An antherozoid is a specialized reproductive cell found in certain types of plants and algae, including mosses, ferns, and some lower forms of algae. It is an essential component in the process of sexual reproduction in these organisms. Antherozoids are typically motile, meaning they have the ability to move by means of a flagellum or cilia. They are male gametes, or sperm cells, produced within an antheridium, which is a structure specifically dedicated to their development and release.
Antherozoids are usually characterized by their small size, elongated shape, and flagellated or ciliated structure. These characteristics enable them to travel through water, where they can reach and fertilize the female gametes, or ova. Once they encounter an ovum, they penetrate and fuse with it to form a zygote, initiating the process of sexual reproduction.
The mobility of antherozoids is crucial in facilitating their transport towards the female reproductive structures. While this mode of reproduction is common in more primitive plant species and algae, higher plants have evolved other mechanisms, such as pollen transfer through wind or animal pollinators. Nevertheless, antherozoids play a vital role in the successful fertilization of certain non-flowering plants, ensuring the continuation of their life cycle and genetic diversity.
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A motile body, formed through the splitting up of the antheridium, which fertilizes the oosporangium in fungi.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANTHEROZOID
- zntherozoid
- sntherozoid
- wntherozoid
- qntherozoid
- abtherozoid
- amtherozoid
- ajtherozoid
- ahtherozoid
- anrherozoid
- anfherozoid
- angherozoid
- anyherozoid
- an6herozoid
- an5herozoid
- antgerozoid
- antberozoid
- antnerozoid
- antjerozoid
- antuerozoid
Etymology of ANTHEROZOID
The word "antherozoid" is derived from two Greek roots: "anthera" and "zoid". "Anthera" means "anther", which is the part of a flower's stamen that produces pollen. "Zoid" means "resembling" or "similar to". Therefore, "antherozoid" roughly translates to "a structure resembling or similar to an anther". In the context of biology, "antherozoid" refers to a motile, male gamete or reproductive cell of algae, fungi, or bryophytes.
Similar spelling words for ANTHEROZOID
- anterior,
- antheraea,
- anderson,
- antheropeas,
- anderton,
- antheridial,
- anthericum,
- anteroom,
- anthropoidea,
- antihero,
- Inthirst,
- anthropoidal,
- unauthorized,
- antheral,
- unauthorised,
- anthropoid ape,
- anthracite,
- anhydrous,
- anthropoid,
- Antherozooid,
- anatropous,
- antheridium.
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