What is the Difference Between Conceptacle and Receptacle in Fucus

The main difference between conceptacle and receptacle in Fucus is that conceptacle is a specialized cavity, containing reproductive organs, but receptacle is the container of several conceptacles. Furthermore, conceptacle contains reproductive tissues, but receptacle contains vegetative tissues.  

Conceptacle and receptacle in Fucus are two anatomical structures present at the end of the branches. Generally, Fucus is a seaweed, a large genus of brown algae with flat, leathery fronds. Apart from the Fucus, they also occur in other marine and freshwater algae as well as in angiosperms. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is the Conceptacle in Fucus
     – Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Receptacle in Fucus
     – Definition, Structure, Function
3. What are the Similarities Between Conceptacle and Receptacle in Fucus
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Conceptacle and Receptacle in Fucus
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Conceptacle, Fucus, Receptacle, Reproductive Organs, Thallus

What is the Conceptacle in Fucus 

Conceptacle in Fucus is a flask-shaped cavity, which contains reproductive organs. Generally, several conceptacles are located in the receptacle, which is a thick stem at the end of the branches. The size of a conceptacle is around 40–150 μm in diameter. Also, the conceptacle opens to the outside by a small ostiole. Besides that, another notable feature is that some conceptacles are pits within the thallus while others form raised domes protruding above it. 

Figure 1: Half of the Receptacle with Many Conceptacles in Fucus (A=Receptacle, B=Conceptacle, C=Antheridial branch, D=Oogonium)

Moreover, Fucus is a type of brown algae with no alteration of generations as it does not contain a haploid phase. Also, its thallus is a saprophyte. Usually, antheridia, the male gametangia, and oogonia, the female gametangia, are produced in the diploid plant. Respectively, they produce sperms and egg cells that are released into the sea in order to undergo future fertilization events. 

What is the Receptacle in Fucus 

Receptacle in Fucus is a vegetative structure, which occurs at the end of the branches. Normally, it is a form of thick stem. And, it hosts several conceptacles. Apart from bearing conceptacles, receptacles take part in capturing food too. 

Figure 2: Receptacles in Fucus

However, the older term for receptacles is the ‘thallus’. In angiosperms, the receptacle is also known as the torus. Also, it arises from the pedicel, which is a thick part of the stem. Usually, the organs of the flower grow from the receptacle. And, the receptacle gives rise to the edible part of the fruit in some accessory fruits. 

Similarities Between Conceptacle and Receptacle in Fucus  

• Conceptacle and receptacle are two structural components of Fucus, which is a type of brown algae.  
• They occur at the end of the branches of Fucus.  
• Their function is to facilitate sexual reproduction.  
• Also,  they occur in other marine and freshwater algae as well as in angiosperms. 

Difference Between Conceptacle and Receptacle in Fucus 

Definition 

Conceptacle in Fucus refers to the specialized cavities of marine and freshwater algae, containing reproductive organs. Receptacle in Fucus refers to a thickened part of the stem or pedicel from which the flower organs grow.  

Correspondence 

Conceptacle in Fucus is a specialized cavity with reproductive organs, but receptacle in Fucus is the container with conceptacles. 

Size 

Conceptacle is a microscopic structure, but the receptacle is a macroscopic structure. 

Type of Tissue 

Conceptacle contains reproductive tissues, but in contrast, receptacle contains vegetative tissues.  

Function 

Conceptacle facilitates the production of egg cells and sperms, while receptacle hosts the conceptacles. 

Conclusion 

In brief, conceptacle in Fucus is a specialized cavity with reproductive organs. Also, several conceptacles occur in the receptacle, which is a kind of thick stem at the end of the branches of Fucus. Therefore, conceptacle contains reproductive tissues, while receptacle contains vegetative tissues. Hence, the main difference between conceptacle and receptacle in Fucus is their structure and function. 

References:

1. “Receptacle (Botany).” Wikiwand, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Phae1007L” By Jon Houseman – Jon Houseman and Matthew Ford (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Bladderwrack (Fucus gardneri)” By Steve Lonhart / NOAA MBNMS (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia