Question

Double fertilization occurs in

• A. $Pinus$
• B. $Selaginella$
• C. $Funaria$
• D. $Capsella$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $Capsella$

Double fertilization is a specialized form of fertilization process in which there is fusion of megagametophyte or embryo sac which is a female gametophyte along with two male gametes called sperms. When a pollen grain sticks to stigma, it starts to germinate a tube-like structure called as pollen tube due to the moisture absorbed from the surrounding. Pollen tube is responsible to carry two male nuclei and penetrate into embryo sac, thereby, allowing the fusion of two male nuclei to one embryo sac, which contains 8 cells, where 3 are antipodal cells, 2 are polar central cells, 2 are synergids and a single egg cell. One among the two sperms enters embryo sac, fuses with egg cell, and forms a diploid zygote. This process is called as syngamy. Whereas, the other sperm fuses with the polar cells and forms triploid nucleus and the process is called as triple fusion. This further develops as endosperm. For all the above steps to take place the presence of flowers is the most important aspect of a plant. Therefore, double fertilization occurs in angiosperms of which Capsella is an example. However, Pinus is a gymnopserm, Selaginella is a pteridophyte, and Funaria is a bryophyte. So, the correct answer is option d.