Question

Male gametophyte with least number of cells is present in

• A. Pteris
• B. Pinus
• C. Lilium
• D. Funaria

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Lilium

The correct option is C.

Explanation of the correct option:

Option C:

1. The male gametophyte of Lilium (angiosperm) has the smallest number of cells.
2. The trend of decline from bryophytes to angiosperms may be seen in the number of cells in male gametophytes.
3. It is reduced to roughly 2-3 cells in angiosperms and referred to as pollen grains.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option A:

1. Pteris is a homosporous pteridophyte because all spores are physically and functionally identical.
2. Spores are triangular in form, having a trilete opening and two walls separating them.
3. Pteris possesses antheridia and archegonia in its multicellular gametophytic prothallus.
4. The major phase of Funaria's life is a bisexual leafy gametophyte.

Option B:

1. A pine is a coniferous tree or shrub belonging to the Pinaceae family, genus Pinus.
2. Two prothallial cells and one antheridial cell make up a Pinus microspore or pollen grain.
3. The male gametophyte's vegetative tissue is represented by prothallial cells, whereas the antheridial cell splits into a tiny generative cell and a large tube cell.

Option D:

1. The body of the Funaria is gametophytic.
2. Each gametophore appears to be slender and straight.
3. A multicellular, branching, filamentous, and multicellular structure may be found in every rhizoid.

Final answer: Male gametophyte with the least number of cells is present in Lilium.