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apogamy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /əˈpɒɡəmi/

KK: /əˈpɒɡəmi/

noun
Definition

The process in botany where an embryo develops without fertilization, leading to the growth of a sporophyte from a gametophyte without the need for fertilization.


Example

In some plants, apogamy allows for the development of new sporophytes without the need for fertilization.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of apogamy in botany?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What does it mean?
Sloth A
It's when an embryo develops without fertilization, pretty interesting huh?
Sloth B
Wow, that's really cool! Nature has so many amazing processes.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
embryo
sporophyte
gametophyte
Antonyms
fertilization
pollination
union
Root Explanation

Apogamy is formed from "apo-" (meaning away from) and "gamos" (meaning marriage). The term describes a form of reproduction that occurs without fertilization, thus being 'away from' the traditional concept of marriage or union in reproduction.

Memory Tip

Think of 'apo-' meaning 'away from' and 'gamos' meaning 'marriage' — this helps you remember that apogamy refers to reproduction that occurs without the usual union.

Visually Confused Words
carpogamy
axogamy
agamy
porogamy
polygamy
carpogam
autogamy
allogamy
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