anisogamete: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Very RareTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “anisogamete” mean?
A gamete (reproductive cell) that differs in size and/or form from the gamete of the opposite sex with which it fuses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A gamete (reproductive cell) that differs in size and/or form from the gamete of the opposite sex with which it fuses.
In biology, specifically in sexual reproduction, one of two types of gametes that are morphologically distinct, typically with a larger, stationary female gamete (macro- or megagamete) and a smaller, motile male gamete (microgamete). The fusion of these dissimilar gametes is called anisogamy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or spelling differences. The term is used identically in scientific contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, purely denotative scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, confined to advanced biology textbooks and research papers. No discernible difference in frequency between UK and US academic English.
Grammar
How to Use “anisogamete” in a Sentence
The (organism/type) produces anisogametes.Anisogametes fuse to form a zygote.The evolution of anisogametes is linked to...(Adj.) anisogametes, such as...The distinction between male and female anisogametes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anisogamete” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Anisogametic reproduction is the norm in complex multicellular organisms.
- The study focused on anisogametic species of algae.
American English
- Anisogametic reproduction is the norm in complex multicellular organisms.
- The research compared isogametic and anisogametic mating systems.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced biological sciences, particularly in contexts of reproduction, evolution, and cell biology. Found in textbooks and research articles.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used precisely to describe gamete dimorphism in plants, animals, algae, fungi, and protists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anisogamete”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anisogamete”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anisogamete”
- Mispronouncing the 'g' as soft (/dʒ/) – it should be a hard /ɡ/ as in 'game'.
- Misspelling as 'anisogamate'.
- Confusing 'anisogamy' (the condition) with 'anisogamete' (the cell).
- Using it in non-biological contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. The human ovum (egg) and spermatozoon (sperm) are the quintessential examples of anisogametes. The egg is large and non-motile, while the sperm is small and motile.
The opposite is an 'isogamete'. Isogametes are gametes that are morphologically identical or indistinguishable from each other, as seen in some algae and fungi.
It is used almost exclusively in advanced biology, particularly in the subfields of reproductive biology, evolutionary biology, botany, zoology, and microbiology when discussing sexual reproduction strategies.
Yes. In plants, the ovule (female gametophyte produces the egg cell) and the pollen grain (male gametophyte produces sperm cells) represent structures containing anisogametes. The egg and sperm cells themselves are the anisogametes.
A gamete (reproductive cell) that differs in size and/or form from the gamete of the opposite sex with which it fuses.
Anisogamete is usually technical/scientific in register.
Anisogamete: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.aɪ.səʊ.ˈɡæ.miːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.aɪ.soʊ.ˈɡæ.miːt/ or /əˌnaɪ-/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AN-ISO-GAMETE' = 'NOT-EQUAL-SEX-CELL'. 'Aniso-' means unequal, 'gamete' means sex cell. So it's an 'unequal sex cell', which pairs with a different-looking partner.
Conceptual Metaphor
A specialised, gendered tool in the reproductive toolkit. The larger anisogamete is often metaphorically seen as the resource-providing 'egg', the smaller as the mobile, seeking 'sperm'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes an 'anisogamete'?