Gametangia

Definition

Gametangia are specialized organs or cells in which gametes are formed in plants, algae, and fungi. They play a crucial role in the sexual reproduction of seedless plants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gametangia can be male (antheridia) or female (archegonia) structures.
2. They protect gametes from desiccation, a key adaptation for life on land.
3. In bryophytes and ferns, gametangia are found on the gametophyte generation.
4. Archegonia produce eggs, while antheridia produce sperm cells.
5. Fertilization usually occurs within the archegonium where the zygote develops into an embryo.

Review Questions

• What are the two types of gametangia and what do they produce?
• How do gametangia contribute to the adaptation of plants to terrestrial life?
• In which plant generations can you find gametangia?

Related terms

Antheridium: A male gametangium that produces sperm cells in seedless plants.

Archegonium: A female gametangium that produces eggs and is often the site of fertilization.

Gametophyte: The haploid stage in a plant's life cycle that produces gametes via mitosis.