Archegonium

Definition

An archegonium is the female reproductive organ in non-vascular plants, ferns, and some gymnosperms. It produces and contains the egg cell and is typically flask-shaped with a neck that facilitates sperm entry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Archegonia are found in bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and pteridophytes (ferns).
2. They develop on the gametophyte generation of these plants.
3. Each archegonium typically contains a single egg cell.
4. The neck canal cells of an archegonium disintegrate to allow sperm to reach the egg.
5. Fertilization within an archegonium leads to the development of a sporophyte.

Review Questions

• What type of plant structures contain archegonia?
• How does the structure of an archegonium facilitate fertilization?
• What happens after fertilization occurs in an archegonium?

Related terms

antheridium: The male reproductive organ in non-vascular plants, ferns, and some gymnosperms that produces sperm cells.

gametophyte: The haploid stage in the life cycle of plants where gametes are produced by mitosis.

sporophyte: The diploid stage in the life cycle of plants that produces spores through meiosis for reproduction.