Question

Which of the following is the largest cell of the female gametophyte?

• A. Central cell
• B. Synergid
• C. Egg cell
• D. Antipodal cell

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Central cell

The functional megaspore that remains after meiosis is the precursor to the female gametophyte. As it grows and matures, the nucleus of the functional megaspore divides mitotically to form into 8 nucleated and 7 celled embryo sac. A typical matured embryo sac consists of three cells towards the chalazal region of the ovule called as the antipodals and three cells towards the micropylar region called as the egg apparatus. In the egg apparatus the middle cell is the egg cell and the other two cells placed laterally to the egg are called as synergids. The centrally placed cell with two polar nuclei is the largest cell called as the central cell.