anatropous ovule
Noun: * A completely inverted ovule turned back 180 degrees on its stalk: In botany, an anatropous ovule is the most common type of ovule orientation in flowering plants. It describes an ovule that is inverted during development so that the micropyle (the opening for pollen tube entry) is positioned close to the point of attachment (the funiculus or stalk), with the ovule's body bent back along the stalk.
This is a highly specific botanical term used in scientific contexts to describe plant morphology and reproduction. * The anatropous ovule is the characteristic ovule type found in the majority of angiosperms. * In the diagram, you can see how the funiculus is fused to the side of the anatropous ovule. * The development of an anatropous ovule ensures the micropyle is correctly oriented for fertilization.
- The term is used in contrast to other ovule orientations such as orthotropous (straight, upright) or campylotropous (curved).
- It is a key diagnostic feature in plant taxonomy and systematics for classifying plant families and genera.
- Anatropous (adjective): Describing the state or characteristic of being inverted. (e.g., ).
- Ovule (noun): The structure in seed plants that develops into a seed after fertilization.
- Micropyle (noun): The small opening in the integuments of an ovule through which the pollen tube typically enters.
- Funiculus (noun): The stalk that attaches an ovule to the placenta in the ovary.
- Inverted ovule: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the ovule's orientation.
- Orthotropous ovule: An ovule that is straight and upright, with the micropyle at the opposite end from the funiculus.
- a completely inverted ovule turned back 180 degrees on its stalk