Megaspore
= Megaspore
A <megaspore> is the <spore> type that develops into a female <gametophyte> in a <heterosporous> life cycle. It is distinct from an <ovum>: the <megaspore> begins a developmental generation, whereas an <ovum> is a <gamete> that fuses during <fertilization>.
The corresponding male-producing <spore> is a <microspore>. Following both <spore> types helps connect <heterospory> to the strongly reduced <gametophytes> of <seed> <plants>.