Question

Megaspores are produced from the megaspore mother cells after

• A. Formation of thick wall
• B. Mitotic division
• C. Meiotic division
• D. Differentiation

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Meiotic division

The correct option is C.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Megaspores are the four haploid cells that are produced by the meiotic division of megaspore mother cells.
2. Out of the four megaspores, three degenerate and one functional megaspore divides by mitotic division and develops into the embryo sac, i.e. female gametophyte.
3. The megaspore undergoes three successive mitotic divisions which lead to the formation of four nuclei each at both the ends i.e., at the micropylar and the chalazal end in the embryo sac.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

The formation of the thick walls does not lead to the formation of megaspores.

Option B:

Mitotic division does not divide the MMC into haploid structures, instead they undergo equational division.

Option D:

Differentiation helps in the development of cells with the same chromosome numbers.

Final answer: Megaspores are produced from the megaspore mother cells after Meiotic division.