ARCHEGONY Meaning and
Definition
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Archegony is a biological process found in certain plant groups, particularly in mosses, liverworts, and ferns, where it is responsible for the development of the female sex organ in these plants, known as the archegonium. The term "archegony" is derived from the Greek words "arche" meaning beginning or first, and "gonia" meaning generation or offspring.
During archegony, a specialized structure called the archegonium is formed. The archegonium typically consists of a venter or bulbous base, which houses the egg or ova, and a slender neck through which the spermatozoids or male gametes can move. The archegonium acts as the reproductive organ of the female gametophyte, the generation responsible for sexual reproduction in these plants.
The process of archegony begins with the development of the archegonium in the female gametophyte. Once mature, the archegonium produces a chemical signal or attractant to lure the spermatozoids. The spermatozoids, released by the male organs called antheridia, swim through water or moist environments towards the archegonium to fertilize the egg inside.
Archegony is crucial for the successful sexual reproduction of these plants, as it ensures the controlled fusion of gametes and the subsequent formation of the zygote, which develops into a new sporophyte generation. This process is essential for the maintenance and propagation of these plant groups, leading to genetic diversity and the continuation of their life cycle.
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Spontaneous generation; abiogenesis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ARCHEGONY
- zrchegony
- srchegony
- wrchegony
- qrchegony
- aechegony
- adchegony
- afchegony
- atchegony
- a5chegony
- a4chegony
- arxhegony
- arvhegony
- arfhegony
- ardhegony
- arcgegony
- arcbegony
- arcnegony
- arcjegony
- arcuegony
Etymology of ARCHEGONY
The word "archegony" is derived from two Greek roots: "arche" and "gonia".
The root "arche" (ἀρχή) means "beginning" or "origin" in Greek. It can also denote "chief" or "ruler". This root is present in several English words such as "architect" (chief builder), "archbishop" (chief bishop), or "archenemy" (chief enemy).
The root "gonia" (γονία) means "angle" or "corner" in Greek. It is often used to indicate an angle formed by the meeting of two lines.
Putting these two roots together, "archegony" combines "arche" (beginning) and "gonia" (angle).
Similar spelling words for ARCHEGONY
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