Question

Select one of the following pairs of important features distinguishing Gnetum from Cycas and Pinus and showing affinities with angiosperms.

• A. Absence of resin duct and leaf venation
• B. Presence of vessel elements and absence of archegonia
• C. Perianth and two integuments
• D. Embryo development and apical meristem

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Presence of vessel elements and absence of archegonia

Gymnosperms are seed plants that do not produce flowers. Cycas, Pinus and Gnetum all belong to this group of plants. Gnetum with its 30 species belong to a very dissimilar genera of the family Gnetales. The characteristics that distinguish the Gnetum and members of Gnetales is the presence of vessels elements in their wood. This is characteristic not only distinguishes the plant species from the other gymnosperms, like Cycas and Pinus but also shows affinities towards angiosperms. In Gnetum, the archegonia is not present, which is similar with angiosperms.

Thus, the correct answer is option B.