Central Cell is a term used in botany to refer to the cell located at the center of the female gametophyte of flowering plants. The IPA phonetic transcription of "central cell" is /ˈsɛntrəl sɛl/. The spelling of this word is based on the English language's pronunciation, with the "c" in "central" pronounced as /s/ rather than /k/. The "e" in "cell" is pronounced as /ɛ/, giving the word its distinct sound. Proper spelling is crucial in botany, as it ensures accuracy and clarity in research and communication.
A central cell refers to a specialized reproductive cell found within certain plant structures, particularly the female gametophyte or embryo sac. It plays a crucial role in sexual reproduction in plants by facilitating the fertilization process.
In flowering plants (angiosperms), the central cell is typically located in the center of the embryo sac, which is contained within the ovule. The embryo sac is the female gametophyte, and it is formed through the process of megasporogenesis. Within the embryo sac, the central cell possesses two polar nuclei, which coexist within a shared cytoplasm. These polar nuclei play a vital role in the formation of endosperm, a nutritive tissue that provides nourishment and support to the developing embryo.
The central cell is a crucial component for double fertilization, a unique reproductive mechanism in flowering plants. During fertilization, one of the two sperm cells from the male gametophyte (pollen grain) fuses with the egg cell to form the zygote, which develops into the embryo. Simultaneously, the other sperm cell fuses with the two polar nuclei within the central cell, resulting in triple fusion. This event gives rise to the primary endosperm nucleus, which eventually develops into the endosperm.
In summary, the central cell is a pivotal cell found within the female reproductive structures of certain plants, responsible for the formation of endosperm through triple fusion during double fertilization.
Adelomorphous c.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "central" is derived from the Latin word "centralis", which is formed from the Latin word "centrum" meaning "center". It was adopted into English in the early 17th century.
The term "cell" comes from the Latin word "cella" meaning "small room" or "vault". It originally referred to a small room in a religious context, specifically referring to the dwelling place of a monk or a nun. Over time, the meaning of "cell" has evolved to encompass various contexts, including the biological sense of a basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.
Therefore, the term "central cell" refers to a cell that is located at the center or core of a structure or organism, often playing a crucial role in its function. The etymology of "central cell" thus combines the concept of centrality or being at the center with the biological notion of cells.