Antheridial cell is a term that is commonly used in the field of botany. It is an important structure that plays a crucial role in the reproduction of plants. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antheridial cell, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Antheridial cell is a specialized cell that is found in the male reproductive organs of plants. It is responsible for producing sperm cells, which are necessary for fertilization. The antheridial cell is typically small and round, and it contains a nucleus and other organelles that are necessary for cellular functions.
Origin
The antheridial cell has its origin in the early evolution of plants. It is believed to have evolved from a single-celled organism that was capable of reproducing asexually. Over time, this organism developed into a multicellular organism that had specialized cells for reproduction.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of antheridial cell can be found in various dictionaries. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, antheridial cell is defined as “a cell in the antheridium of a plant that produces sperm.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a cell in the antheridium of a plant that produces male gametes.”
Associations
The antheridial cell is associated with the male reproductive organs of plants. It is found in structures called antheridia, which are responsible for producing sperm cells. The antheridia are typically found on the underside of the plant’s leaves or in specialized structures called gametangia.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for antheridial cell, including sperm cell, male gamete, and microgamete. These terms all refer to the same structure within the male reproductive organs of plants.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for antheridial cell, as it is a specific structure within the male reproductive organs of plants. However, the female reproductive organs of plants contain structures called archegonia, which are responsible for producing egg cells.
The same root words
The root word of antheridial cell is “antheridium,” which is the structure that contains the antheridial cells. The word “antheridium” comes from the Greek words “anthos,” which means flower, and “eridos,” which means form.
Example Sentences
- The antheridial cells in the antheridia of the fern produce sperm cells that are necessary for fertilization.
- The antheridial cells in the male reproductive organs of the moss are responsible for producing male gametes.
- The antheridial cells in the antheridia of the angiosperm are protected by a layer of cells called the tapetum.