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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Androecium and Gynoecium?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Androecium and Gynoecium?

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The androecium and gynoecium are essential reproductive whorls of a flower, responsible for producing male and female gametes, respectively. The main differences between androecium and gynoecium are:

  • Function: Androecium produces pollen grains containing male gametes, while gynoecium produces ovules containing female gametes.
  • Structure: Androecium consists of stamens, each with an anther and filament. Gynoecium, on the other hand, is composed of the pistil, which includes the style, stigma, and ovary.
  • Position: Androecium is the third whorl of a flower, while gynoecium is the innermost whorl and the female reproductive part of the flower.
  • Terminology: Androecium refers to the male part of the flowers, whereas gynoecium refers to the female part of the flower.

Flowers can be categorized as bisexual, containing both androecium and gynoecium, or unisexual, containing either androecium or gynoecium.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Androecium and Gynoecium?
  • Comparative Table: Androecium vs Gynoecium

    • Comparative Table: Androecium vs Gynoecium

    The table below highlights the differences between androecium and gynoecium:

    Feature Androecium Gynoecium
    Function Produces and releases pollen grains Receives pollen grains, forms the pollen tube, and provides ovules for fertilization
    Part of the Flower Male reproductive unit (stamen) Female reproductive unit (pistil)
    Components Anther and filament Stigma, style, and ovary
    Gametocytes Microgametocytes (male gametes) Megagametophytes (female gametes)
    Type of Spores Microspores Macrospores
    Role in Seed and Fruit Development Does not participate Promotes the development

    Androecium and gynoecium are the reproductive whorls of a flower, with the androecium being the male part and the gynoecium being the female part. Flowers can be bisexual, containing both whorls, or unisexual, containing either the androecium or the gynoecium.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.