Q20 / 180 · AIIMS 2018 (27 May) · Botany

Select one of the following pairs of important features distinguishing Gnetum from Cycas and Pinus and showing affinities with angiosperms.

  • A
    Perianth and two integuments.
  • B
    Embryo development and apical meristem.
  • C
    Absence of resin duct and leaf venation.
  • Correct answer
    D
    Presence of vessel elements and absence of archegonia.

Solution

Unlike Cycas and Pinus, Gnetum shows the occurrence of vessel elements and the absence of archegonia. Thus, Gnetum shows affinities with angiosperms. Besides,it resembles angiosperms in several other aspects like presence of tetrasporic embryo sac, free nuclear divisions in the embryo sac, two cotyledonous embryo, etc.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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