A typical angiosperm embryo sac at maturity is:
- -nucleate and -celled
- -nucleate and -celled
- -nucleate and - celled
- -nucleate and -celled
Solution
The nucleus of the functional megaspore divides mitotically to form two nuclei which move to the opposite poles, forming the 2-nucleate embryo sac. Two more sequential mitotic nuclear divisions result in the formation of the 4-nucleate and later the 8-nucleate stages of the embryo sac.
There is a characteristic distribution of the cells within the embryo sac.
- Three cells are grouped together at the micropylar end and constitute the egg apparatus. The egg apparatus, in turn, consists of two synergids and one egg cell.
- Three cells are at the chalazal end and are called the antipodals.
- The large central cell, as mentioned earlier, has two polar nuclei.
Thus, a typical angiosperm embryo sac, at maturity, though 8-nucleate is 7-celled.
Asked in: NEET 2021
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