It is seldom that more than one antheridium applies itself to an oogonium. |
These particles become globose cells, grouped in the centre of the antheridium. |
At maturity, the antheridium bursts releasing the sperm cells or antherozoids. |
The male plant has no definite stem, and consists of a single concave leaf protecting the antheridium. |
When the male gametes, or antherozoids, are released by the rupture of the antheridium, they swim in a water film to the archegonia and effect fertilization. |
When mature antheridia were watered, the opercular cell and crescent-shaped cell were shed, and 32 spermatozoids were released from each antheridium. |