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An illustration of the archegonium of bracken. An archegonium (pl: archegonia), is a multicellular structure or organ of the gametophyte phase of certain plants producing and containing the ovum or female gamete. The archegonium has a long neck and a swollen base.

Archegonium of Bracken

An illustration of the archegonium of bracken. An archegonium (pl: archegonia), is a multicellular structure…

This illustration shows the germination of the gametospore: A, section of a mature archegonium with canal cells dissolved, thus forming a passageway to the large female gamete, g. B, sectional view of base of archegonium, showing the germinating gametospore in two-cell stage. The perianth, p, is seen growing up about the archegonium. C, later stage in growth of the gametospore. The lower cell shown in B is forming stalk cells, while the outer cell has produced densely granular cells that will later by further division form spore mother cells and elaters.

Gametospore

This illustration shows the germination of the gametospore: A, section of a mature archegonium with…