PLASTOGAMY Meaning and
Definition
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Plastogamy is a term used in biology to describe a process of reproduction in certain lower organisms, particularly in certain groups of algae and fungi. It refers to the fusion or union of two or more protoplasts, which are the living cells, without the involvement of sexual organs or gametes.
In plastogamy, the protoplasts of different individuals come into physical contact and merge together, resulting in the exchange of genetic material. This fusion can occur within one organism or between two different organisms belonging to the same species. Unlike sexual reproduction, there is no formation of specialized reproductive cells such as eggs or sperm.
Plastogamy is often observed in algae and fungi that possess reproductive structures called gametangia. The exchange of genetic material allows these organisms to increase their genetic diversity and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
This form of reproduction can also occur in some plants, especially those with the ability to regenerate from small tissue fragments. In these cases, plastogamy enables plants to propagate vegetatively without the need for seeds or spores.
Overall, plastogamy represents an important mechanism for genetic variation and propagation among certain lower organisms. While it differs from sexual reproduction, plastogamy plays a crucial role in the survival and evolution of these organisms.
Common Misspellings for PLASTOGAMY
- olastogamy
- llastogamy
- -lastogamy
- 0lastogamy
- pkastogamy
- ppastogamy
- poastogamy
- plzstogamy
- plsstogamy
- plwstogamy
- plqstogamy
- plaatogamy
- plaztogamy
- plaxtogamy
- pladtogamy
- plaetogamy
- plawtogamy
- plasrogamy
- plasfogamy
- plasgogamy
Etymology of PLASTOGAMY
The word "plastogamy" is composed of two parts, "plasto-" and "-gamy".
- The prefix "plasto-" originates from the Greek word "plastós" (πλαστός), meaning "molded" or "formed". It is derived from the verb "plássō" (πλάσσω), which translates to "to mold" or "to shape".
- The suffix "-gamy" comes from the Greek word "gamos" (γάμος), which stands for "marriage" or "union". It is often used as a combining form to denote different types of reproduction or fertilization.
Thus, combining "plasto-" and "-gamy" provides us with the term "plastogamy", referring to a type of fertilization that involves the fusion or union of molded or modified structures or parts.
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