noun
- small male reproductive cells produced by certain fungi, algae, and other lower plants
Usage: biology; technical
Examples
- The fungus produces spermatia that fertilize the female reproductive structures.
- Researchers observed spermatia being released from the specialized cells.
- In some red algae, spermatia are carried by water currents to reach the female gametes.
- The microscopic spermatia are much smaller than typical sperm cells.
- Laboratory studies showed that spermatia retain viability for several hours after release.