Question

What is the ploidy of the central cell of the embryo sac?

Answer 1

Ploidy:

1. Ploidy means the number of sets of chromosomes present in the cells.
2. Haploid (n) means a single set of chromosomes.
3. Diploid (2n) means two sets of chromosomes.
4. Triploid (3n) means three sets of chromosomes.

Ploidy of the central cell present in embryo sac:

1. The nucellus forms the central part of the ovule comprising the embryo sac.
2. The female gametophyte comprises seven haploid cells – one central cell, one egg cell, two synergid cells, and three antipodal cells.
3. The central cell has 2 polar nuclei.
4. At the time of double fertilization, one of the male nuclei forms the pollen grain and unites with the diploid central cell.
5. It then leads to the formation of a triploid primary endosperm nucleus (PEN).
6. This process is called triple fusion as three nuclei fuse together.