Explain the structure and development of the embryo sac.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) 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 $8$-nucleate stages of the embryo sac. These mitotic divisions are strictly free-nuclear,meaning nuclear divisions are not followed immediately by cell wall formation.
After the $8$-nucleate stage,cell walls are laid down,leading to the organization of the typical female gametophyte or embryo sac.
Six of the eight nuclei are surrounded by cell walls and organized into cells; the remaining two nuclei,called polar nuclei,are situated below the egg apparatus in the large central cell. 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.
The synergids have special cellular thickenings at the micropylar tip called the filiform apparatus,which play an important role in guiding the pollen tubes into the synergid.
Three cells are at the chalazal end and are called the antipodals.
The large central cell,as mentioned,has two polar nuclei.
Thus,a typical angiosperm embryo sac,at maturity,although $8$-nucleate,is $7$-celled.
Panchanan Maheshwari has classified the female gametophyte into monosporic,bisporic,and tetrasporic embryo sacs based on how many megaspores take part in the development of the embryo sac.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ typical angiosperm embryo sac,at maturity,is ...... nucleate and ....... celled.

Which of the following parts belong to the gynoecium? $P$ - Stigma,$Q$ - Anther,$R$ - Style,$S$ - Ovary,$T$ - Connective,$U$ - Filament

Definitions / Explanation :
$1.$ Nutritive layer
$2.$ Funicle

Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion $(A)$ and the other is labelled as Reason $(R)$.
Assertion $(A):$ $A$ typical unfertilised,angiosperm embryo sac at maturity is $8$-nucleate and $7$-celled.
Reason $(R):$ The egg apparatus has $2$ polar nuclei.
In the light of the above statements,choose the correct answer from the options given below:

$A$ - Four cells are at the chalazal end and are called the antipodals.
$R$ - $A$ typical angiosperm embryo sac,at maturity,though $8$-nucleate is $7$-celled.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo