Q39 / 200 · NEET 2021 · Botany
A typical angiosperm embryo sac at maturity is:
- Correct answerA-nucleate and -celled
- B-nucleate and -celled
- C-nucleate and - celled
- D-nucleate and -celled
Solution
The nucleus of the functional megaspore divides mitotically to form two nuclei which move to the opposite poles, forming the 2-nucleate embryo sac. Two more sequential mitotic nuclear divisions result in the formation of the 4-nucleate and later the 8-nucleate stages of the embryo sac.
There is a characteristic distribution of the cells within the embryo sac.
- Three cells are grouped together at the micropylar end and constitute the egg apparatus. The egg apparatus, in turn, consists of two synergids and one egg cell.
- Three cells are at the chalazal end and are called the antipodals.
- The large central cell, as mentioned earlier, has two polar nuclei.
Thus, a typical angiosperm embryo sac, at maturity, though 8-nucleate is 7-celled.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.