Question

In gymnosperm, the endosperm is formed by ................

• A. Fertilised egg
• B. Germination of one megaspore
• C. Fusion of two polar nuclei
• D. Fusion of one polar nucleus

Answer 1

The correct option is B Germination of one megaspore

In gymnosperms, three of the four haploid spores produced in meiosis typically degenerate leaving one surviving megaspore inside the nucellus. The megagametophyte consists of around 2000 nuclei and forms archegonia, which produce egg cells for fertilization. Fertilization occurs within the archegonia produced by the female gametophyte. While it is possible that several egg cells are present and fertilized, typically only one zygote will develop into a mature embryo as the resources within the seed are limited.