Ovule vs. Ovum

Attribute	Ovule	Ovum
Definition	The structure in seed plants that develops into a seed after fertilization	The female reproductive cell in animals
Location	Found within the ovary of a flower	Released from the ovary during ovulation
Size	Generally smaller than an ovum	Generally larger than an ovule
Function	Develops into a seed after fertilization	Fertilized by sperm to form a zygote

Introduction

Ovule and ovum are two essential components of the female reproductive system in plants and animals, respectively. While they both play crucial roles in the process of reproduction, there are significant differences between the two in terms of their structure, function, and development.

Structure

Ovule is a structure found in the ovary of a flowering plant. It consists of the embryo sac, which contains the female gametophyte, and the integuments that surround and protect the embryo sac. The ovule is attached to the ovary wall by a stalk called the funiculus. In contrast, the ovum is the female reproductive cell in animals, including humans. It is a single cell that contains the genetic material necessary for fertilization.

Function

The primary function of the ovule is to develop into a seed after fertilization. Once the ovule is fertilized by the pollen, it undergoes a series of developmental stages to form a seed that contains the embryo of a new plant. On the other hand, the main function of the ovum is to fuse with a sperm cell during fertilization to form a zygote. The zygote then develops into an embryo, which eventually grows into a new organism.

Development

Ovule development in plants involves several stages, starting from the formation of the ovule within the ovary to its maturation into a seed. The integuments of the ovule protect the embryo sac and provide nutrients for its growth. In animals, ovum development occurs within the ovaries, where the ova undergo maturation and are released during ovulation. The ovum is then transported through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where it may be fertilized.

Location

Ovules are typically found within the ovary of a flower, where they are surrounded by other floral parts such as petals and sepals. The ovules are attached to the ovary wall and are connected to the stigma by the style. In contrast, ovum is produced in the ovaries of female animals, including humans. The mature ovum is released from the ovary during ovulation and travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.

Size

Ovules vary in size depending on the plant species, but they are generally small and microscopic. The size of the ovule is determined by the number of integuments that surround the embryo sac. In comparison, the ovum is also small and microscopic, as it is a single cell that is barely visible to the naked eye. Despite their small size, both ovule and ovum play crucial roles in the reproductive process.

Fertilization

After fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed that contains the embryo of a new plant. The fertilization process involves the fusion of the male and female gametes to form a zygote, which then undergoes cell division to develop into an embryo. In animals, fertilization occurs when the sperm cell penetrates the ovum to form a zygote. The zygote then implants itself in the uterine wall and begins to develop into an embryo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ovule and ovum are essential components of the female reproductive system in plants and animals, respectively. While they have similarities in their function of producing offspring, they differ in terms of structure, development, location, size, and fertilization process. Understanding the attributes of ovule and ovum is crucial for comprehending the complex process of reproduction in plants and animals.