<P> In seed plants, the ovule is the structure that gives rise to and contains the female reproductive cells . It consists of three parts: The integument (s), forming its outer layer (s), the nucellus (or remnant of the megasporangium), and the female gametophyte (formed from a haploid megaspore) in its center . The female gametophyte--specifically termed a megagametophyte--is also called the embryo sac in angiosperms . The megagametophyte produces an egg cell (or several in some groups) for the purpose of fertilization . </P> <P> In flowering plants, the ovule is located inside the portion of the flower called the gynoecium . The ovary of the gynoecium produces one or more ovules and ultimately becomes the fruit wall . Ovules are attached to the placenta in the ovary through a stalk - like structure known as a funiculus (plural, funiculi). Different patterns of ovule attachment, or placentation, can be found among plant species, these include: </P>

What is the term for a female reproductive cell apex