Difference between Male Gametophyte and Female Gametophyte: Definition, Structure

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 07:11 PM IST

In Plant Reproduction, two types of gametophytes are formed - Male Gametophyte and Female Gametophyte. These are the haploid structures having a major role in sexual reproduction by producing gametes for fertilisation in plants. The difference between Male and Female Gametophytes, the Male gametophyte is inside the pollen grain produced via Microsporogenesis, and the Female Gametophyte is inside the ovule formed via Megasporogenesis in biology.

This Story also Contains

What Are Gametophytes?
Key Differences Between Male And Female Gametophytes
What Is A Male Gametophyte?
What Is A Female Gametophyte?
Exceptions to Gametophyte Fertilisation
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Difference between Male Gametophyte and Female Gametophyte: Definition, Structure

The Male gametophyte is small, simple, and found inside the structure of the pollen grain. The Female Gametophyte is large and more complex and found inside the ovules. In angiosperms, these gametophytes work together during double fertilisation and result in seed and fruits formation. This article includes the Difference between Male and Female Gametophyte, examples of exceptions to gametophyte fertilisation.

What Are Gametophytes?

Gametophytes are plants at the haploid phase in their life cycle and undergo mitosis to produce gametes. It is a critical process in the generation alternation for plant reproduction. Gametophytes are key for ensuring genetic diversity by allowing the fusion of gametes into a diploid zygote, which develops into the sporophyte. Moreover, this alteration of the haploid and diploid phases makes plants capable of responding to environmental variations and different levels of genetic variation within their populations.

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Key Differences Between Male And Female Gametophytes

The male and female gametophytes are two important parts of reproduction in plants. They differ in their origin, structure, and function. This table shows the main differences between the two:

Aspect	Male Gametophyte	Female Gametophyte
Origin and Development
Microsporogenesis	Formation of microspores from microsporocytes.	-
Megasporogenesis	-	Formation of megaspores from megasporocytes.
Microgametogenesis	Development of microspores into pollen grains.	-
Megagametogenesis	-	Development of megaspore into the embryo sac.
Structural Differences
Pollen Grain vs. Embryo Sac	Pollen grain consists of a generative cell and a tube cell.	The embryo sac consists of one egg cell, two synergids, three antipodal cells, and a central cell with two polar nuclei.
Cellular Composition	Two-celled structure (generative cell and tube cell).	Seven-celled, eight-nucleate structure.
Organisation	Encased in a protective wall (exine and intine).	Located within the ovule without a protective wall like a pollen grain.
Functional Differences
Role in Pollination	Transferred to the stigma, forming a pollen tube for fertilisation.	Remains within the ovule and receives sperm cells for fertilisation.
Role in Fertilisation	Delivers sperm cells to the ovule.	Houses egg cells and central cells for fertilisation.
Contribution to Genetic Diversity	Contributes male genetic material during fertilisation.	Contributes female genetic material and supports embryo development.

What Is A Male Gametophyte?

The male gametophyte is found inside the pollen grain. It forms from microspores and helps in pollination and fertilisation in plants. The male gametophyte is explained below-

Development Of Male Gametophyte

Microsporogenesis:

Microsporogenesis is the process through which a reductional cell division in the diploid microsporocytes gives rise to haploid microspores. Each microsporocyte undergoes cell division, whereby one microsporocyte produces a tetrad of four microspores that later become the precursors of pollen grains. All of this takes place within the anther of the flower.

Microgametogenesis:

Microgametogenesis is the further development of microspores into mature pollen grains. In this step, a microspore is divided by mitosis into generative and tube cells, resulting in a two-celled pollen grain, the mature male gametophyte.

Structure Of Male Gametophyte

Pollen grain structure

A mature pollen grain contains two cells: a generative cell, which will divide to produce two sperm, and a tube cell, which produces the pollen tube. The pollen grain is covered by a protective wall comprising an outer layer, exine, and an inner layer, intine.

Function Of Male Gametophyte

Role in pollination and fertilisation

The pollen grain represents the male gametophyte and serves primarily for reproduction in flowering plants. Pollen grains are the microgametophytes produced through the meiotic division of microsporocytes in an anther of a flower. It is transferred during pollination to the stigma of a compatible flower. On reaching the stigma, the tube cell germinates to form a pollen tube which extends down the style for delivery of the sperm cells to the ovule for fertilisation.

What Is A Female Gametophyte?

The female gametophyte is found inside the ovule and develops from a megaspore. It plays a key role in fertilisation and embryo development in flowering plants. The female gametophyte is explained below-

Development Of Female Gametophyte

Megasporogenesis:

Megasporogenesis is a process by which megaspores are developed from diploid megasporocytes in the ovule. It is a process where the megasporocyte undergoes stages of meiosis to yield four haploid megaspores, but typically, only one normally survives and then develops into a female gametophyte.

Megagametogenesis:

Megagametogenesis is the process by which a functional megaspore undergoes mitotic divisions to form an embryo sac. This kind of development thus gives rise to a seven-celled, eight-nucleate structure that comprises a mature female gametophyte.

Structure Of Female Gametophyte

Embryo sac structure

The mature embryo sac is made up of seven cells: one egg cell, two synergids, three antipodals, and a large central cell with two polar nuclei. The organisation mentioned above is essential for fertilisation and further development of the embryo.

Function Of the Female Gametophyte

Role in fertilisation and embryo development

It contains the egg cell and the central cell; these are important in reproduction. Following fertilisation, the sperm cells carried by the pollen tube enter the egg cell and central cell to develop into the zygote and endosperm, respectively.

Exceptions to Gametophyte Fertilisation

In most of the following plants, fertilisation occurs when male and female gametophytes meet. But in some special cases, the seed is formed without fertilisation. These are called exceptions to gametophyte fertilisation. Some of the examples are given below:

Apomixis

Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction in plants. The seeds are formed without the fusion of sperm and egg. The embryo forms directly from diploid cells of the ovule, skipping normal gamete fusion.

Parthenogenesis

In parthenogenesis, the egg cell develops into an embryo without fertilization. It can happen in both plants and some animals. It is a natural or artificial way to produce offspring without male gametes.

Other Useful Resources:

Pollen-Pistil Interaction & Outbreeding Devices	Artificial Hybridization in Plants - Emasculation and Bagging
Self incompatibility	Post Fertilization - Events and Changes in Flowering Plants
Bilobed Anther - Structure of an Anther	Parts Of A Seed

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between male and female gametophytes?

The main difference between male and female gametophytes is that microspores develop into the male gametophytes, and from megaspores, the female gametophytes develop to form the embryo sac.

2. How do male and female gametophytes contribute to plant reproduction?

Male gametophytes provide the sperm cells in pollen grains, and female gametophytes provide an egg cell in ovules that allows fertilisation and embryogenesis.

3. What are the stages of microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis?

"Microsporogenesis" refers to the development of microspores from microsporocytes, and "megasporogenesis" refers to the formation of megaspores from megasporocytes.

4. Can you explain the structure of a pollen grain?

A typical pollen grain would contain two cells: a generative cell (which divides to produce the sperm cells) and a tube cell (which develops as the pollen tube).

5. Why is the study of gametophytes important in plant science?

This knowledge of the gametophytes is important for studying plant reproduction, succeeding in crop breeding, and genetic manipulations.

6. What is the main difference between male and female gametophytes in flowering plants?

The main difference is their structure and function. Male gametophytes (pollen grains) produce sperm cells, while female gametophytes (embryo sacs) produce egg cells. Male gametophytes are much smaller and mobile, whereas female gametophytes are larger and stationary within the ovule.

7. How does the development of male and female gametophytes differ?

Male gametophytes develop from microspores in the anther, while female gametophytes develop from megaspores in the ovule. The male gametophyte undergoes fewer cell divisions, resulting in a simpler structure, whereas the female gametophyte undergoes more divisions, creating a more complex structure.

8. Why are male gametophytes called microgametophytes?

Male gametophytes are called microgametophytes because they are much smaller (micro) compared to female gametophytes. This size difference is due to their different functions and developmental processes.

9. How does the structure of the female gametophyte contribute to its function?

The female gametophyte's structure, typically consisting of seven cells and eight nuclei, is adapted for its reproductive function. It contains the egg cell for fertilization, synergids to guide the pollen tube, and antipodal cells and polar nuclei that contribute to endosperm formation after fertilization.

10. What is the role of the synergids in the female gametophyte?

Synergids are specialized cells in the female gametophyte that play a crucial role in pollen tube guidance. They secrete chemicals that attract the pollen tube and help direct it towards the egg cell for fertilization.

11. What is the significance of the haploid nature of both male and female gametophytes?

The haploid nature of gametophytes is crucial for sexual reproduction. It allows for the combination of genetic material from two parents when haploid gametes fuse, restoring the diploid state in the zygote and maintaining the species' chromosome number across generations.

12. How do the male and female gametophytes contribute to genetic diversity in flowering plants?

Both male and female gametophytes are products of meiosis, which introduces genetic variability through crossing over and independent assortment. The fusion of genetically diverse male and female gametes during fertilization further increases genetic diversity in the offspring.

13. How do environmental factors affect the development and function of male and female gametophytes?

Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and pollutants can significantly impact gametophyte development and function. For example, high temperatures can reduce pollen viability, while drought can affect embryo sac development. Understanding these effects is crucial for plant breeding and conservation.

14. How do male and female gametophytes contribute to self-incompatibility in plants?

Both male and female gametophytes can contribute to self-incompatibility. The male gametophyte may express self-incompatibility proteins that interact with those in the pistil, while the female gametophyte can recognize and reject self-pollen tubes, preventing self-fertilization and promoting genetic diversity.

15. What is the evolutionary advantage of the reduced male gametophyte in angiosperms?

The reduced male gametophyte in angiosperms is an evolutionary advantage as it allows for more efficient pollen production and dispersal. This increases the chances of successful pollination while requiring less energy and resources, contributing to the reproductive success of flowering plants.

16. What is the role of the antipodal cells in the female gametophyte?

The exact role of antipodal cells is not fully understood, but they are thought to play a nutritive role, transferring nutrients from the surrounding sporophyte tissue to the developing female gametophyte. In some species, they may also contribute to endosperm formation.

17. What is the significance of the binucleate condition of the central cell in the female gametophyte?

The binucleate condition of the central cell, with two polar nuclei, is significant because these nuclei fuse with a sperm cell during double fertilization to form the triploid endosperm. This unique process provides nutritive tissue for the developing embryo.

18. How does the number of functional megaspores differ between gymnosperms and angiosperms?

In gymnosperms, all four megaspores produced by meiosis are typically functional. In contrast, in most angiosperms, only one of the four megaspores survives and develops into the female gametophyte, while the other three degenerate.

19. How does the structure of the female gametophyte in angiosperms differ from that in gymnosperms?

The female gametophyte in angiosperms (embryo sac) is typically seven-celled and eight-nucleate, while in gymnosperms, it is multicellular and contains many egg cells. This reduction in angiosperms is an evolutionary adaptation for more efficient fertilization and seed development.

20. What is double fertilization, and how does it relate to male and female gametophytes?

Double fertilization is a unique process in flowering plants where two sperm cells from the male gametophyte fertilize two different cells in the female gametophyte. One sperm fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote, while the other fuses with two polar nuclei to form the endosperm.

21. What is the significance of the three-celled structure of the male gametophyte?

The three-celled structure of the male gametophyte (two sperm cells and one tube cell) is significant because it allows for efficient delivery of the sperm cells to the female gametophyte. The tube cell forms the pollen tube, which grows through the style to reach the ovule.

22. What is the function of the vegetative nucleus in the male gametophyte?

The vegetative nucleus in the male gametophyte controls the growth and development of the pollen tube. It does not participate in fertilization but is crucial for guiding the sperm cells to the female gametophyte.

23. How do male gametophytes achieve mobility?

Male gametophytes (pollen grains) achieve mobility through various mechanisms, including wind dispersal, insect pollination, and other animal vectors. Their small size and often specialized outer structures (like air sacs or sticky surfaces) aid in this mobility.

24. What is the significance of the reduced number of cells in the male gametophyte compared to its evolutionary predecessors?

The reduced number of cells in the male gametophyte of flowering plants represents an evolutionary adaptation. It allows for more efficient production and dispersal of pollen, increasing the chances of successful fertilization while minimizing energy expenditure.

25. How does the male gametophyte protect itself during its journey to the female gametophyte?

The male gametophyte protects itself with a tough outer wall called the exine, which is often elaborately sculptured and resistant to environmental stresses. The intine, an inner layer, provides additional protection and contains enzymes necessary for pollen tube growth.

26. How does the development of the female gametophyte affect the structure of the ovule?

As the female gametophyte develops, it grows and reshapes the surrounding ovule tissues. This growth often results in the formation of the micropyle, a small opening in the ovule through which the pollen tube can enter to deliver sperm cells for fertilization.

27. What is the evolutionary significance of the reduced female gametophyte in angiosperms?

The reduced female gametophyte in angiosperms represents an evolutionary trend towards minimizing the haploid generation. This reduction allows for more rapid seed development and more efficient use of resources, contributing to the evolutionary success of flowering plants.

28. What is the importance of the egg apparatus in the female gametophyte?

The egg apparatus, consisting of the egg cell and two synergids, is crucial for fertilization. The egg cell is the female gamete, while the synergids guide the pollen tube and facilitate the release of sperm cells, ensuring successful fertilization.

29. How does the structure of the male gametophyte facilitate its function in double fertilization?

The male gametophyte's structure, with two sperm cells and a tube cell, is perfectly adapted for double fertilization. The tube cell forms the pollen tube, which delivers the two sperm cells directly to the female gametophyte, allowing one to fertilize the egg and the other to fuse with the polar nuclei.

30. How does the position of the female gametophyte within the ovule contribute to its function?

The female gametophyte's position within the ovule is strategic. It's surrounded by nutritive tissue and protected by integuments, while still being accessible to the pollen tube through the micropyle. This positioning ensures both protection and successful fertilization.

31. What role does the male gametophyte play in species isolation?

The male gametophyte plays a crucial role in species isolation through various mechanisms. These include species-specific interactions between the pollen and the stigma, and molecular recognition between the pollen tube and the female gametophyte, preventing hybridization between incompatible species.

32. How does the lifespan of male and female gametophytes differ, and why?

Male gametophytes generally have a shorter lifespan than female gametophytes. This is because male gametophytes need to survive only long enough to reach and fertilize the female gametophyte, while female gametophytes must persist until fertilization occurs and then support early embryo development.

33. What is the significance of the seven-celled, eight-nucleate structure of the typical angiosperm female gametophyte?

This structure is significant because each component has a specific role: the egg cell for fertilization, synergids for pollen tube guidance, antipodals for nutrition, and the central cell with two polar nuclei for endosperm formation. This efficient organization supports successful reproduction and seed development.

34. What is the role of programmed cell death in female gametophyte development?

Programmed cell death plays a crucial role in female gametophyte development. It's responsible for the degeneration of three of the four megaspores, allowing the surviving megaspore to develop into the embryo sac. It also occurs in synergids after pollen tube reception, facilitating fertilization.

35. How does the structure of the male gametophyte vary among different plant species?

While the basic three-celled structure (two sperm cells and one tube cell) is common, there can be variations. Some species have male gametophytes with more than two sperm cells, and the size and shape of pollen grains can vary greatly, often reflecting different pollination strategies.

36. What is the significance of the filiform apparatus in synergid cells?

The filiform apparatus is a specialized structure in synergid cells that plays a crucial role in pollen tube guidance and reception. It secretes attractant molecules that guide the pollen tube to the female gametophyte and is involved in the process of sperm cell release.

37. How does the structure of the female gametophyte facilitate double fertilization?

The female gametophyte's structure facilitates double fertilization through its organized arrangement of cells. The egg cell and central cell (with two polar nuclei) are positioned near the micropyle, allowing easy access for the two sperm cells delivered by the pollen tube to achieve double fertilization.

38. What is the role of calcium ions in the interaction between male and female gametophytes?

Calcium ions play a crucial role in the interaction between male and female gametophytes. They are involved in pollen tube growth, guidance, and the process of gamete fusion. Calcium signaling is also important in the female gametophyte's response to pollen tube arrival and sperm cell release.

39. How does the development of male and female gametophytes differ in timing?

Male gametophyte development is generally faster than female gametophyte development. Pollen grains are usually mature by the time a flower opens, while the female gametophyte often continues to develop after flower opening, ensuring it's ready for fertilization when pollination occurs.

40. What is the significance of the microtubule organization in male and female gametophytes?

Microtubule organization is crucial in both male and female gametophytes. In the male gametophyte, it's important for pollen tube growth and sperm cell movement. In the female gametophyte, microtubules play a role in the migration of nuclei during development and in the positioning of cellular components.

41. How do male and female gametophytes contribute to hybridization barriers between species?

Male and female gametophytes contribute to hybridization barriers through various mechanisms. These include incompatibility between pollen and stigma of different species, inability of foreign pollen tubes to navigate the style, and failure of gamete fusion or zygote development due to genetic incompatibilities.

42. What is the role of the central cell in the female gametophyte before and after fertilization?

Before fertilization, the central cell with its two polar nuclei plays a nutritive role for the female gametophyte. After fertilization, it fuses with a sperm cell to form the triploid endosperm, which provides nutrition for the developing embryo in the seed.

43. How does the structure of the male gametophyte contribute to its survival during dispersal?

The structure of the male gametophyte, particularly its tough outer wall (exine), protects it from desiccation and mechanical damage during dispersal. Some pollen grains also have air sacs or other adaptations that aid in wind dispersal or attachment to pollinators.

44. What is the significance of cell polarity in the development and function of male and female gametophytes?

Cell polarity is crucial in both male and female gametophytes. In the male gametophyte, it determines the direction of pollen tube growth. In the female gametophyte, polarity is important for the correct positioning of cells, particularly the egg apparatus, which is essential for successful fertilization.

45. How do male and female gametophytes contribute to the phenomenon of cytoplasmic male sterility?

Cytoplasmic male sterility often results from interactions between mitochondrial genes and nuclear genes. It typically affects the development of the male gametophyte, leading to non-functional pollen, while the female gametophyte remains unaffected. This phenomenon is important in plant breeding and hybrid seed production.

46. What is the role of the male gametophyte in pollen tube competition?

The male gametophyte plays a crucial role in pollen tube competition. Differences in pollen tube growth rates, determined by the genetic makeup of the male gametophyte, can lead to certain pollen tubes reaching the ovules first, influencing which male gametes participate in fertilization.

47. How does the female gametophyte regulate pollen tube reception?

The female gametophyte, particularly the synergid cells, regulates pollen tube reception through molecular signaling. This includes attracting the pollen tube, signaling for tube growth arrest, and facilitating the release of sperm cells. This regulation ensures orderly fertilization and prevents polyspermy.

48. What is the significance of the asymmetric cell divisions in female gametophyte development?

Asymmetric cell divisions in female gametophyte development are crucial for establishing the correct cellular pattern and polarity of the embryo sac. These divisions result in cells with different fates and functions, which is essential for the proper structure and function of the mature female gametophyte.

49. How do epigenetic modifications in male and female gametophytes affect plant reproduction?

Epigenetic modifications in gametophytes can affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. These modifications can influence gamete formation, pollen tube growth, embryo sac development, and even post-fertilization events. They play a role in phenomena like genomic imprinting, which is important in seed development.

50. What is the role of the male gametophyte in the evolution of flowering plant diversity?

The male gametophyte has played a significant role in flowering plant evolution. Variations in pollen structure and function have led to diverse pollination strategies, contributing to the radiation of angiosperms. Pollen adaptations have co-evolved with pollinators, driving speciation and diversification.

51. How does the structure of the female gametophyte contribute to double fertilization efficiency?

The structure of the female gametophyte contributes to double fertilization efficiency through its organized arrangement. The egg cell and central cell are positioned close to the micropyle, allowing quick access for sperm cells. The synergids guide the pollen tube, ensuring precise delivery of sperm cells.

52. What is the significance of gene expression changes during male and female gametophyte development?

Gene expression changes during gametophyte development are crucial for proper formation and function of gametes. In the male gametophyte, these changes control pollen maturation and pollen tube growth. In the female gametophyte, they regulate cell specification and prepare for fertilization and seed development.

53. How do male and female gametophytes contribute to the phenomenon of heterosis or hybrid vigor?

Male an