Question

In majority of angiosperms

• A. a small central cell is present in the embryo sac
• B. egg has a filiform apparatus
• C. there are numerous antipodal cells
• D. reduction division occurs in the megaspore mother cells

Answer 1

The correct option is D reduction division occurs in the megaspore mother cells

In most of the angiosperms, the megaspore mother cell (2n) divides meiotically (reduction division) to produce 4 cells. Out of these, 3 degenerate and one remains which forms a functional megaspore.



The functional megaspore divides mitotically and forms an embryo sac.

The embryo sac has the following cells:

(i) One egg cell with 2 synergids forming an egg apparatus towards the micropylar end. Egg cell does not have a filiform apparatus. It is the synergids which have special cellular thickenings at the micropylar tip which is called a filiform apparatus. This guides the pollen tube into the synergids.

(ii) 3 antipodal cells towards the chalazal end.

(iii) A large central cell which consists of two polar nuclei.

Fig: Embryo sac

Hence, option D is correct.