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micropylar

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /mˈaɪkrəʊpˌaɪlə/

US

  • /mˈaɪkroʊpˌaɪlər/

Description

Imagine a tiny doorway in a plant ovule or in the egg of some animals. That doorway is called a micropyle. The word "micropylar" means relating to that small opening. In plants, it is the spot where the pollen tube enters the ovule so fertilization can happen. In animals such as some insects, it can mean the part of the egg where sperm enters.

You will usually see this word in science, especially in botany and zoology. For example, someone might write about the "micropylar region" when describing where entry happens during reproduction. It is a technical word, but the basic idea is simple: it points to the area around a very small opening that lets reproduction begin.

Examples

  1. 1

    Embryo sac

    The egg cell is located at the micropylar end of the embryo sac.

    • Domain

      micropylar end

      the end nearest the small opening of the ovule

  2. 2

    Pollen tube

    In many flowering plants, the pollen tube enters the ovule from the micropylar side.

  3. 3

    Ovule regions

    The study compared the micropylar region with the chalazal region of the ovule.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • micropylaradjective