synergid

(noun)

either of two nucleated cells at the top of the embryo sac that aid in the production of the embryo; helper cells

Related Terms

Examples of synergid in the following topics:

  • Sexual Reproduction in Angiosperms

    • The nucleus closest to the micropyle becomes the female gamete, or egg cell, and the two adjacent nuclei develop into synergid cells .
    • The synergids help guide the pollen tube for successful fertilization, after which they disintegrate.
    • Inside the embryo sac are three antipodal cells, two synergids, a central cell, and the egg cell.

  • The Life Cycle of an Angiosperm

    • The three cells away from the egg form antipodals while the two cells closest to the egg become the synergids.
    • The mature embryo sac contains one egg cell, two synergids ("helper" cells), three antipodal cells, and two polar nuclei in a central cell.

  • Double Fertilization in Plants

    • The pollen tube is guided by the chemicals secreted by the synergids present in the embryo sac; it enters the ovule sac through the micropyle.