How Do You Spell ISOGAMY?

Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪsəɡˌami] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "isogamy" is relatively straightforward once you understand the IPA phonetic transcription. It is pronounced as ˌaɪsəˈɡæmi, which means "the fusion of gametes from two individuals that are similar in size and form." The first syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound, followed by a short "s" sound that makes the "s" almost silent. The second syllable has a short "u" sound, followed by a hard "g" sound and a short "a" sound. The final syllable has a soft "m" sound and a long "e" sound.

ISOGAMY Meaning and Definition

1. Isogamy is a biological term that refers to a form of sexual reproduction where gametes from two individuals are morphologically and functionally similar or identical in shape and size. It is essentially a type of reproduction characterized by the fusion of gametes that do not exhibit clear differences between male and female reproductive structures. In isogamous organisms, both partners produce similar gametes, often known as isogametes, which are either motile or non-motile.

   This reproductive strategy is commonly observed in certain groups of organisms like algae and fungi, where each individual organism possesses the ability to produce both the smaller male gametes and the larger female gametes. Despite their identical appearances, isogametes can often still display biochemical and genetic differences that enable them to recognize and fuse with a complementary gamete during fertilization, thus resulting in the formation of a zygote.

   Isogamy represents a contrast to anisogamy, which is a form of sexual reproduction characterized by the union of two types of gametes with different sizes and/or characteristics. In anisogamous organisms, there is a clear distinction between male and female reproductive structures, often involving motile, small-sized male gametes (sperm) and larger, non-motile female gametes (eggs).

   Overall, isogamy reflects a reproductive strategy where gametes share resemblance, providing an equal contribution from both partners in the process of sexual reproduction.

2. Conjugation, usually with complete fusion, between two equal gametes, or two individual cells alike in all respects.

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

Common Misspellings for ISOGAMY

• usogamy
• jsogamy
• ksogamy
• osogamy
• iaogamy
• izogamy
• ixogamy
• idogamy
• ieogamy
• iwogamy
• isigamy
• iskgamy
• islgamy
• ispgamy
• is0gamy
• is9gamy
• isofamy
• sogamy

Etymology of ISOGAMY

The word "isogamy" is derived from two Greek roots: "iso" meaning "equal" and "gamy" meaning "marriage" or "union". The term was coined in the late 19th century to describe a type of sexual reproduction found in certain organisms where equal-sized gametes or reproductive cells come together to unite and form a zygote.

Similar spelling word for ISOGAMY

• isogamete.

Plural form of ISOGAMY is ISOGAMIES