<BGSOUND src="micropyle.wav"> micropyle

micropyle

noun

(Gr. mikros: small; pylĂȘ: door, way) A small opening in the integuments of a plant ovule through which the pollen tube passes prior to fertilization. It results from the incomplete covering of the nucellus by the integuments. It remains as an opening in the testa of most seeds through which water is absorbed, persisting as a pore in the seed coat.