Definition

A young stage of certain plants, especially ferns, where it is in the gametophyte phase of its life cycle.

Example

The prothallium is essential for the reproduction of ferns as it produces gametes.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of prothallium?

I think I read about it in my biology class.

Yeah, it's the young gametophyte stage of certain plants, right?

Exactly! It's fascinating how they develop.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prothallium is derived from the Greek roots 'pro-' (meaning before) and 'thallus' (meaning a young shoot or sprout). The term refers to the early stage of a plant's life cycle, specifically in ferns, where it is a small, heart-shaped structure that develops before the mature plant.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pro-' meaning 'before' and 'thallus' referring to a 'young shoot' — this helps you remember that prothallium is the early stage of a plant's life cycle.

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