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gametophyte
[ guh-mee-tuh-fahyt, gam-i- ]
noun
- the sexual form of a plant in the alternation of generations.
gametophyte
/ ɡəˈmiːtəʊˌfaɪt; ˌɡæmɪtəʊˈfɪtɪk /
noun
- the plant body, in species showing alternation of generations, that produces the gametes Compare sporophyte
gametophyte
/ gə-mē′tə-fīt′ /
- Among organisms which display an alternation of generations as part of their life cycle (such as plants and certain algae), the haploid organism that produces gametes. Each of its cells has only one, unpaired set of chromosomes, as opposed to the corresponding diploid form of the organism, called the sporophyte. A gametophyte develops from spores produced by the sporophyte. The gametophytes of homosporous plants are bisexual (produce both eggs and sperm), while the gametophytes of heterosporous plants, such as all seeds plants, are unisexual (produce only eggs or only sperm).
- See more at alternation of generations
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Derived Forms
- gametophytic, adjective
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Other Words From
- ga·me·to·phyt·ic [g, uh, -mee-t, uh, -, fit, -ik, gam-i-], adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of gametophyte1
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A Closer Look
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Compare Meanings
How does gametophyte compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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Example Sentences
In a later paper Pearson considerably extended our knowledge of the reproduction and gametophyte of this genus.
Thus in Pellia the nuclei of the gametophyte have eight chromosomes and those of the sporophyte sixteen.
When artificially divided small fragments of the gametophyte are found to be capable of growing into new individuals.
The organization of the gametophyte stands in the closest relation to the factors of light and moisture in the environment.
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