Macrogametophyte (Gr. Macro - Large, Gamete - Wife, Phyton - Plant)

Macrogametophyte (from the Greek words "macro" - large, "gamete" - woman and "phyton" - plant) is the female gametophyte of heterosporous plants. This means that it is one of two types of gametophytes that are formed as a result of sporulation in these plants.

The macrogametophyte is formed from a megaspore. A megaspore is a large spore that is formed inside the sporangium of heterosporous plants. After the macrogametophyte is fertilized by the male gametophyte, it develops into an embryo, which then turns into a new plant.

Macrogametophytes have different shapes and sizes depending on the plant species. For example, in ferns, macrogametophytes are small, heart-shaped structures called archegonia. And in pine plants, macrogametophytes are large cones, which are usually called cones.

Macrogametophytes are important elements of the reproduction of heterosporous plants. They ensure the development of the embryo and its subsequent transformation into a new plant. Without macrogametophytes, these plants could not reproduce and continue their species.

The study of macrogametophytes and other gametophytes of heterosporous plants is important for understanding the various biological processes involved in plant reproduction. Therefore, despite the fact that these structures are little known to the general public, they are important objects of research in the field of botany and plant physiology.