Question

What is formed after the development of microspores in gymnosperms?

• A. Seeds
• B. Cotyledons
• C. Female gametophytes
• D. Pollen grains
• E. Archegonia

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Pollen grains

A male cone has a central axis on which bracts are attached. The bracts, known as microsporophylls, are the sites where microspores will develop. The microspores develop inside the microsporangium. Within the microsporangium, cells known as microsporocytes divide by meiosis to produce four haploid microspores. Further mitosis of the microspore produces two nuclei: the generative nucleus and the tube nucleus. Upon maturity, the male gametophyte (pollen) is released from the male cones and is carried by the wind to land on female cones.