Question

What does the filiform apparatus do at the entrance of the ovule?

• A. It is the pore through which the pollen tube enters into a synergid
• B. It prevents the entry of more than one pollen tube into the embryo sac
• C. It secretes chemicals to repel the pollen tube
• D. It guides and attracts the pollen tube

Answer 1

The correct option is D It guides and attracts the pollen tube

Synergid cells are characterised by the presence of finger-like projections called filiform apparatus attached to their wall at the micropylar end and protruded into the cytoplasm. This filiform apparatus is known to attract and guide the pollen tube. The pollen tube gradually grows and bursts open to release the male gametes, one of which then fuses with the egg present in the egg apparatus to produce zygote.