= Archegonium
= Archegonia
{synonym}
An <archegonium> is an egg-producing reproductive structure in several land-<plant> lineages, including <bryophytes> and many <ferns>. It belongs to the <gametophyte> generation and contains the <ovum> reached by <sperm> during <fertilization>.
After <fertilization>, the developing <sporophyte> can remain associated with the maternal <gametophyte>. This links <reproductive anatomy> to maternal support of a new generation without making the two generations one genetically identical individual.
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