Generative cell is a term used in botany to refer to a cell that divides to form sperm cells. Phonetic transcription of this word is dʒɛnərətɪv sɛl. The first syllable is pronounced as "jen" with a soft "j" sound, followed by "er" with a short vowel sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "a-tiv" with emphasis on the "tiv". The final syllable is pronounced as "sel" with a short "e" sound. The spelling of this word follows English spelling rules and represents the correct pronunciation of the term.
The generative cell refers to a specialized cell found within the male reproductive organs of plants, specifically within the pollen grains. It plays a crucial role in the process of plant reproduction, particularly in the development of male gametophytes.
In plants, the male reproductive organ, known as the anther, contains pollen sacs. Each of these sacs contains numerous pollen grains, and within each of these grains is the generative cell. The generative cell is typically a small, cytoplasmic cell found alongside a larger vegetative cell, both enclosed within the pollen grain's tough outer wall.
The primary function of the generative cell is to undergo a process known as mitosis, where it divides to form two sperm cells. This mitotic division typically occurs before pollination takes place. The mature generative cell possesses two separate nuclei; one of these nuclei will form the vegetative nucleus, while the other will eventually give rise to the two sperm cells.
During pollination, the generative cell is transported by wind, insects, or other vectors to the female reproductive organ, known as the ovule or embryo sac, where it plays a vital role in fertilization. Upon reaching the ovule, the generative cell undergoes a second division to give rise to two separate sperm cells. These sperm cells are then subsequently released into the embryo sac to fertilize the egg cell and the central cell, leading to the formation of the zygote and endosperm, respectively.
In summary, the generative cell is a crucial component of plant reproduction, responsible for the formation of sperm cells and their subsequent involvement in fertilization.
The word "generative" is derived from the Latin word "generativus" which means "creative" or "productive". It comes from the Latin word "generare" meaning "to beget" or "to generate".
The word "cell" comes from the Latin word "cellula" which means "small room" or "small chamber". It is a diminutive form of "cella" which means "storeroom" or "chamber".
So, when these two words are combined, "generative cell" refers to a cell that is involved in the process of generation or reproduction. It typically relates to cells involved in the sexual reproduction of plants, such as the male gametophyte in plants that produces sperm cells.