Question

In Capsella, the endosperm is formed:

• A. At the time of fertilization
• B. Before fertilization
• C. After fertilization
• D. Before pollination

Answer 1

The correct option is C After fertilization

In gymnosperms, a female gametophyte that contains food reserves for the embryo is produced prior to fertilization, while in angiosperms the food-supplying tissue (endosperm) is not produced until after fertilization and Capsella is an angiosperm.

Of the two sperm cells, one sperm fertilizes the egg cell, forming a diploid zygote; the other sperm fuses with the two polar nuclei, forming a triploid cell that develops into the endosperm.

Hence, in Capsella, the endosperm is formed after fertilization.