In gymnosperms, the ovules are not enclosed by any ovary wall and remain exposed `:`

Options

A. only before fertilisation
B. only after fertilisation
C. both before and after seed discharge
D. both before and after fertilisation.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Gymnosperms**:
- Gymnosperms are a group of higher plants classified under the kingdom Plantae. The term "Gymnosperm" comes from Greek roots where "gymno" means naked and "sperm" means seed.

2. **Characteristics of Gymnosperms**:
- One of the defining features of gymnosperms is that their seeds are not enclosed by any ovary wall. This means that the ovules remain exposed throughout their development.

3. **Seed Development**:
- In gymnosperms, the ovules are exposed both before and after fertilization. This means that when the ovules are formed, they do not have any protective covering, and even after fertilization occurs, the seeds remain exposed.

4. **Evaluating Options**:
- When presented with multiple-choice options regarding the characteristics of gymnosperms, we analyze each statement:
- Option A: "Seeds are exposed only before fertilization." - This is incorrect because seeds remain exposed after fertilization as well.
- Option B: "Exposed ovules are present only after fertilization." - This is also incorrect since the ovules are exposed before fertilization too.
- Option C: "The ovules are not enclosed by ovary wall and remain exposed both before and after seed discharge." - This statement is misleading as it suggests that they are only exposed after seed discharge, which is not the case.
- Option D: "The ovules are always exposed before and after fertilization." - This is the correct statement as it accurately describes the nature of ovules in gymnosperms.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the most appropriate answer is Option D, which states that the ovules are always exposed before and after fertilization.