Embryo Sac vs. Ovule

Attribute	Embryo Sac	Ovule
Location	Located within the ovule	Located within the ovary of the flower
Function	Contains the female gametophyte	Contains the female reproductive cells
Development	Develops from the megaspore mother cell	Develops from the ovule primordium
Structure	Consists of the egg cell, central cell, and antipodal cells	Consists of integuments, nucellus, and megasporangium

Structure

The embryo sac and ovule are two essential components of the female reproductive system in plants. The embryo sac is a structure found within the ovule, which is the structure that contains the female gametophyte. The embryo sac is a multicellular structure that develops within the ovule and contains the egg cell, central cell, and synergids. On the other hand, the ovule is a protective structure that houses the embryo sac and eventually develops into a seed after fertilization.

Function

The main function of the embryo sac is to produce the female gametes necessary for sexual reproduction in plants. The embryo sac contains the egg cell, which will eventually fuse with the sperm cell to form the zygote. Additionally, the central cell of the embryo sac will fuse with a sperm cell to form the endosperm, which provides nutrients to the developing embryo. On the other hand, the ovule's primary function is to protect and nourish the embryo sac and developing seed. The ovule provides a safe environment for fertilization to occur and supports the growth of the developing embryo.

Development

The development of the embryo sac and ovule occurs within the ovary of the flower. The embryo sac undergoes a series of cell divisions to form the mature structure containing the female gametes. The ovule also undergoes development, with the integuments surrounding the embryo sac forming protective layers. As the ovule matures, it becomes the seed after fertilization occurs. The development of both the embryo sac and ovule is crucial for successful reproduction in plants.

Location

The embryo sac is located within the ovule, specifically within the nucellus tissue. The embryo sac is surrounded by the integuments of the ovule, providing protection and support for the developing female gametes. The ovule, on the other hand, is located within the ovary of the flower. The ovule is attached to the ovary wall by a stalk called the funiculus, which allows for the transfer of nutrients and water to the developing seed.

Size

The size of the embryo sac and ovule can vary depending on the plant species. In general, the embryo sac is smaller in size compared to the ovule. The embryo sac is typically a few cells in size, containing the necessary female gametes for fertilization. On the other hand, the ovule is larger in size and contains the embryo sac along with protective layers such as the integuments. The size of both structures is essential for successful reproduction and seed development in plants.

Reproductive Role

Both the embryo sac and ovule play crucial roles in the reproductive process of plants. The embryo sac produces the female gametes necessary for fertilization, while the ovule provides a protective environment for fertilization to occur. After fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed, which contains the embryo formed from the fusion of the male and female gametes. The embryo sac and ovule work together to ensure successful reproduction and seed development in plants.