Sporangium (plural: sporangia) is a structure in which spores are produced. It's a crucial part of the reproductive cycle for many plants, fungi, and algae.
Here's a breakdown:
* Spores: Microscopic reproductive cells capable of developing into a new organism without fertilization.
* Sporangium: The structure that houses and produces spores.
Examples:
* Ferns: Produce sporangia on the underside of their leaves.
* Mushrooms: Have sporangia located on their gills or pores, which release spores for dispersal.
* Mosses: Have sporangia that develop at the top of their stalks, called sporophytes.
Let me know if you have any more questions about sporangia or other biological terms!