Question

Draw a neat labeled diagram of a mature anatropous ovule before fertilization.

Answer 1

Anatropous ovule:

1. This ovule is a completely curved or inverted structure.
2. The composition comprises the female reproductive cells in the ovule.
3. The ovule is formed of the nucellus, that is, the biggest part of the ovule, the female gametophyte known as the embryo sac in flowering plants, and the integuments, which form the tough outer protective layer of the ovule.
4. The integument surrounds the nucellus apart from a small gap, which is known as the micropyle.
5. On the opposite of the micropyle, chalaza is present, which is the basal part of the ovule.
6. Within the nucellus, the embryo sac is present, which is also known as the female gametophyte.
7. The ovules become completely inverted at the time of development in anatropous so that the micropyle lies close to the hilum.
8. The hilum refers to a scar, which signifies the point where the attachment of the seed takes place with the fruit wall with the help of the funicle.