It is remarkable that amongst these fungi the tube projected by the antheridium effects fecundation only by contact. |
Spermatozoids are formed in the antheridium, and these enter the archegonium and fertilize the germ cell. |
These particles become globose cells, grouped in the centre of the antheridium. |
At maturity, the antheridium bursts releasing the sperm cells or antherozoids. |
The antherozoids, always many in number, develop from mother cells enclosed in the jacket of the antheridium. |
The male plant has no definite stem, and consists of a single concave leaf protecting the antheridium. |