Question

Prothallial cells in pollen of Cycas are found to be

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

One

In gymnosperms, each pollen grain also contains two sterile cells called as prothallial cells, thought to be remnants of the vegetative tissue of the male gametophyte. The microspore or pollen grain at the time of shedding may have only one prothallial cell (Cycadales, Ginkgoales and Ephedra among Gnetales) or two prothallial cells (Coniferales).