How Do You Spell HETEROSPOROUS?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛtɹə͡ʊspəɹəs] (IPA)

Heterosporous is a botanical term that refers to plants that produce two different types of spores. The spelling of this word is somewhat complex due to the use of Greek roots and prefixes. The first syllable, "hetero," is pronounced with an "h" sound and the "e" is pronounced like "eh." The next syllable, "spor," is pronounced with a "sp" sound and the "o" is pronounced like "oh." Finally, the last syllable, "ous," is pronounced like "us." Altogether, the pronunciation is: ˌhɛtərəˈspoʊrəs.

HETEROSPOROUS Meaning and Definition

1. Heterosporous is an adjective used to describe a certain type of plant reproductive structure or life cycle in which the production of two distinct types of spores takes place. It refers to the ability of a plant species to produce two different kinds of spores, known as microspores and megaspores, which give rise to male and female gametophytes, respectively.

   In heterosporous plants, such as certain ferns, horsetails, and seed plants, the production of male and female reproductive structures is kept separate. Microspores develop into male gametophytes, also known as pollen grains, which carry the male gametes (sperm cells). On the other hand, megaspores develop into female gametophytes inside the ovules, which contain the egg cells. Fertilization occurs when pollen grains are transported to the ovules, where they deliver the sperm cells to fertilize the egg cells, initiating seed development.

   Heterospory allows for the development of more complex and efficient reproductive systems, as it facilitates the evolutionary transition from water-dependent reproduction to terrestrial reproduction. By separating the male and female reproductive structures, heterospory provides a more targeted and effective means of transferring male gametes to female gametes, increasing the chances of successful fertilization and subsequent reproduction.

   Overall, heterosporous plants exhibit a unique reproductive strategy involving the production of two distinct types of spores, contributing to the diversification and proliferation of plant species on Earth.

2. Having two kinds of asexually produced spores, microspores and macrospores.

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

Common Misspellings for HETEROSPOROUS

• geterosporous
• beterosporous
• neterosporous
• jeterosporous
• ueterosporous
• yeterosporous
• hwterosporous
• hsterosporous
• hdterosporous
• hrterosporous
• h4terosporous
• h3terosporous
• hererosporous
• heferosporous
• hegerosporous
• heyerosporous
• he6erosporous
• he5erosporous
• hetwrosporous

Etymology of HETEROSPOROUS

The word heterosporous is derived from the combination of two Greek words: hetero meaning different or other, and sporous derived from spora meaning seed or spore. Therefore, heterosporous literally translates to producing different spores.

Similar spelling words for HETEROSPOROUS

• heterograft,
• heterozygosity,
• heteroecious,
• heterosexual,
• heterostraci,
• heterogenous,
• heteroscelus,
• heterosexuality,
• heterospory,
• heterogeneous,
• heterosexism,
• heterosomata,
• heterozygous,
• heteroicous,
• heterostracan,
• heterosexualism.