What is the Difference Between Ovary and Ovule?

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The main difference between an ovary and an ovule lies in their functions and structures within a plant. Here are the key differences:

  • Ovary: The ovary is the female reproductive part of a flower, located at the base of the pistil, which includes the ovary, stigma, and style. The ovary produces and matures female gametes and, after fertilization, develops into a fruit.
  • Ovule: Ovules are located inside the ovary and play an important role in seed formation after fertilization. Each ovule contains a female reproductive cell or the egg cell. After successful fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed of the fruit.

In summary, the ovary is the larger structure that contains the ovules, and after fertilization, it develops into a fruit. On the other hand, ovules are the smaller structures inside the ovary that contain the female reproductive cells and develop into seeds after fertilization.

Comparative Table: Ovary vs Ovule

Here is a table comparing the differences between an ovary and an ovule:

Feature Ovary Ovule
Definition The ovary is a part of the pistil that contains the ovules. It is the female reproductive part of a flower. The ovule is a structure inside the ovary that contains the female gametophyte, which contains the egg cell. It develops into a seed after fertilization.
Function The ovary develops into a fruit after fertilization. The ovule develops into a seed after fertilization.
Structure The ovary is found at the round base of the pistil. Ovules are attached to the ovary by a stalk called a funiculus.
Another Term Ova -

After fertilization, the ovary and ovule undergo changes:

  • The ovary turns into a fruit.
  • The ovule turns into a seed of the fruit.

Both the ovary and ovule are involved in the sexual reproduction of plants.