Question

Are synergids haploid or diploid?

Answer 1

Haploid

1. Cells having only one set of chromosomes (n) are called haploids.
2. Germ cells are haploid.

Diploids

1. Cells that have two sets of chromosomes (2n) one being the copy of the other are called diploids.
2. Human somatic cells are diploid.

Meiosis

1. Also called reductional division in which the chromosomal quantity gets halved.
2. A diploid cell undergoes two rounds of meiosis to give rise to four haploid daughter cells.
3. This type of cell division takes place for the formation of gametes.

Synergids

1. Haploid megaspores mitotically divide and give rise to several cells in the ovary including two synergid cells, one egg cell, etc.
2. This pair of synergid cells are present near the egg cells.
3. Their main function is to guide the pollen tube towards the egg cell for fertilization.
4. Synergid cells are haploid as they are formed by haploid megaspores through mitotic division.
5. The diploid (2n) megaspore mother cell divides meiotically to form four megaspores.
6. These megaspores are haploid (n) and undergo mitosis giving rise to the synergids cell.