How Do You Spell MICROGAMETE?

Pronunciation: [mˌa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊɡˈamiːt] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "microgamete" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word has four syllables with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as /maɪkrəʊ/ with the "i" sounding like "eye". The second syllable is pronounced as /ˈɡæmət/ with the "a" sounding like "a" in "cat". The third and fourth syllables are pronounced as /iːt/ with an "ee" sound. In summary, "microgamete" is pronounced as /maɪ'krəʊgæmətiːt/.

MICROGAMETE Meaning and Definition

1. A microgamete is a term used in biology to describe a small, mobile, and often motile reproductive cell or gamete. It is typically formed by a male organism, also known as the male gametophyte or sperm, as part of the process of sexual reproduction. Microgametes are responsible for fertilizing the female organism's egg, leading to the creation of offspring with genetic diversity.

   These tiny cells are characterized by their small size and specialized structure, which enables them to swim towards the female gametes, also known as megagametes or eggs. They are involved in the process of fertilization, where they fuse with the egg, resulting in the formation of a zygote that develops into a new individual.

   The term microgamete is commonly used in the context of organisms with complex life cycles, such as plants and algae, as well as certain groups of protists and animals. Microgametes are often produced in large numbers by the male organism, increasing the chances of successful fertilization. They can be propelled by flagella or other appendages, allowing them to navigate towards the female gametes.

   Overall, microgametes play a crucial role in sexual reproduction by facilitating the union of genetic material from two different individuals. Their small size, mobility, and specialized structure make them essential for the survival and propagation of many species across the biological world.

2. The male element in anisogamy, or conjugation of cells of unequal size; it is the smaller of the two cells and actively motile.

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

Common Misspellings for MICROGAMETE

• microgamets
• mircogamete
• miccrogamete
• macrogamet
• microgamata

Etymology of MICROGAMETE

The word "microgamete" is composed of two parts: "micro" and "gamete".

The prefix "micro-" derives from the Greek word "mikros", which means "small" or "tiny". It is often used to indicate something extremely small in size or scale.

The term "gamete" comes from the Greek word "gametēs", which means "a spouse" or "one who is married". In biology, a gamete refers to a reproductive cell that fuses with another gamete during sexual reproduction to form a zygote, which further develops into an organism.

Therefore, the etymology of "microgamete" is a combination of "micro" meaning small and "gamete" referring to a reproductive cell, indicating a small or tiny reproductive cell.

Plural form of MICROGAMETE is MICROGAMETES