carpogonium

views updated May 29 2018

carpogonium (pl. carpogonia) The female gametangium of the red algae (see Rhodophyta). Carpogonia, which are found at the tips of the female gametophyte, are flask-shaped structures from which protrudes a slender elongation called a trichogyne. The nonmotile male spermatia, released from the antheridia, attach to the trichogyne during sexual reproduction. After fertilization the carpogonium develops into the cystocarp, which contains the carpospores.

carpogonium

views updated May 18 2018

carpogonium A female sex organ (gametangium) in seaweeds belonging to the class Rhodophyceae. Usually it consists of a swollen basal region, and a narrow, elongated, gelatinous tip which receives the male gamete.