How Do You Spell ENDOTHECIUM?

Pronunciation: [ˌɛndə͡ʊθˈiːsi͡əm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Endothecium" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˌɛndəˈθiːsiəm/. The "en" at the beginning is pronounced with a schwa sound, while the "do" is pronounced with a short "o" sound. The "the" is pronounced with a voiced "th" sound and the "ci" is pronounced with a soft "s" sound. Finally, the "um" at the end is pronounced with a short "u" sound. Endothecium refers to the innermost layer of a plant's anther, which produces and houses pollen.

ENDOTHECIUM Meaning and Definition

1. Endothecium refers to the innermost layer of cells within the anther, a male reproductive organ found in flowers. The anther is responsible for producing and releasing pollen. The endothecium surrounds the central tissue of the anther, known as the locule, which contains the pollen grains.

   In terms of structure, the endothecium consists of a single layer of elongated cells. These cells are characterized by thickened walls, particularly on the inner side, which are composed of a substance called lignin. The lignified walls provide strength and rigidity to the endothecium, serving to protect and support the delicate developing pollen sacs or microsporangia within the anther.

   The endothecium cells play a crucial role in the process of anther dehiscence, which is the opening of the anther to release pollen. They undergo a specialized type of cell division called the endothecium lignification division. During this process, the cells divide asymmetrically, with one daughter cell becoming lignified and the other remaining unchanged. This division pattern results in the formation of a distinct boundary between the lignified and non-lignified cells. The lignified cells eventually rupture, creating small pores or slits on the surface of the anther, facilitating the release of pollen.

   In conclusion, the endothecium is the innermost layer of cells in the anther, involved in the protection and release of pollen. Its lignified walls and specialized cell division contribute to the crucial process of anther dehiscence.

2. 1. In mosses the central cells in the early stages of formation of the capsule. 2. The substance, or inner portion, of the wall of the anther in a phanerogam.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. The inner lining of the anther-cells.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ENDOTHECIUM

• wndothecium
• sndothecium
• dndothecium
• rndothecium
• 4ndothecium
• 3ndothecium
• ebdothecium
• emdothecium
• ejdothecium
• ehdothecium
• ensothecium
• enxothecium
• encothecium
• enfothecium
• enrothecium
• eneothecium
• endithecium
• endkthecium
• endlthecium

Etymology of ENDOTHECIUM

The word "endothecium" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "endo" meaning "inside" or "within", and "thēkion" meaning "a sheath" or "a covering". Therefore, "endothecium" essentially means "inner or internal sheath".

Plural form of ENDOTHECIUM is ENDOTHECIA