Introduction to Male and Female Gametophytes
In the plant kingdom, reproduction involves intricate processes with specialized structures known as gametophytes. Male and female gametophytes play pivotal roles in the life cycles of plants, facilitating sexual reproduction through the production of gametes. Understanding the differences between these gametophytes is essential for comprehending plant development and reproduction.
Differences Between Male and Female Gametophytes
Essential Study Materials for NEET UG Success
FAQs on Key Differences Between Gametophytes
1. What is the difference between male and female gametophytes in moss?
In mosses, male gametophytes produce antheridia (male sex organs) that release sperm, while female gametophytes produce archegonia (female sex organs) containing egg cells. Fertilization occurs when sperm swim through water to reach the egg in the archegonium.
2. What are the differences between the male and female gametes?
Male gametes (sperm) are typically small, motile, and produced in large numbers, facilitating movement towards the female gamete. Female gametes (eggs) are larger, non-motile, and contain nutrients to support early development post-fertilization.
3. What are the male and female gametophytes called?
The male gametophyte is called the microgametophyte, and the female gametophyte is called the megagametophyte.
4. What is double fertilization?
Double fertilization is a process unique to angiosperms where one sperm fertilizes the egg cell forming a zygote (embryo), and another sperm fertilizes the central cell forming the endosperm, which nourishes the developing embryo.
5. What are rhizoids?
Rhizoids are hair-like structures in non-vascular plants like mosses and liverworts that anchor the plant to the substrate and facilitate water and nutrient absorption.
6. How do you describe male and female gametophytes in gymnosperms?
In gymnosperms, male gametophytes develop within pollen grains and produce sperm cells. Female gametophytes develop within ovules and contain archegonia that produce egg cells.
7. What is meant by archegonia?
Archegonia are the female reproductive structures in plants like bryophytes, ferns, and gymnosperms, where egg cells are produced and fertilization occurs.
8. What are synergids?
Synergids are two specialized cells in the female gametophyte of angiosperms that flank the egg cell and help guide the pollen tube for successful fertilization.
9. What is triple fusion?
Triple fusion is the fusion of one sperm cell with the two polar nuclei in the central cell of the female gametophyte, forming the triploid endosperm that nourishes the developing embryo.
10. What is self-incompatibility?
Self-incompatibility is a mechanism in some plants that prevents self-fertilization and promotes genetic diversity by rejecting pollen from the same plant or genetically similar individuals.
