An ovule is a structure found in the reproductive organs of seed plants, specifically within the ovary of a flower. It contains the female gamete, or egg cell, and is crucial for the process of fertilization. When fertilization occurs, the ovule develops into a seed, which can grow into a new plant. Ovules are typically surrounded by protective layers called integuments, which help safeguard the developing seed. In gymnosperms and angiosperms, the ovule plays a vital role in the plant's life cycle, contributing to the formation of seeds that ensure the continuation of the species.