structure in that produces the megaspore, holds the subsequently produced , and following pollination becomes the seed.

The ovule consists, going from outside to in, of the integument, the (or ) which produces the megaspore, and, ultimately, the gametophyte (or ). Subsequently an egg is produced as well, and, following fertilization, a zygote.

The ovules in gymnosperms are exposed to the (hence, 'naked seed') whereas the ovules in angiosperms are contained within ovaries. Pollen grains with gymnosperms thus can reach the ovule directly, but with angiosperms reach the ovule only via their .