Question

Vegetative fertilization, which involves formation of endosperm, is

fusion of

• A. One male gamete with diploid secondary nucleus
• B. Two vegetative cells
• C. Two male gametes
• D. Female gamete with secondary nucleus

Answer 1

The correct option is A One male gamete with diploid secondary nucleus

The fusion of male and female gametes is called as fertilization. Fertilization in angiosperms involves two nuclear fusions, one between one of the male gametes and the egg and the other between the second male gamete and the secondary nucleus of the polar nuclei.
The first of these fusions called as generative fertilization leads to the formation of a zygote and the second known as vegetative fertilization leads to the formation of a triploid primary endosperm nucleus. The zygote goes on to give rise to the embryo and the primary endosperm nucleus to a triploid nutritive tissue, called as endosperm, hence, the term doubles fertilization. It is found only in angiosperms where it was first discovered by Nawaschin in 1898 in Fritillaria and Lilium.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.