In gymnosperms, the microspores develop into a male gametophytic generation which is

Options

A. highly developed and is made of large number of cells
B. semi-`//` parasitic
C. free living
D. highly reduced and is confined to only a limited number of cells.

Answer

To answer the question regarding the male gametophytic generation in gymnosperms, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Gymnosperms**:
- Gymnosperms are a group of plants known for having "naked seeds," meaning their seeds are not enclosed within an ovary wall, unlike angiosperms (flowering plants).

2. **Heterospory in Gymnosperms**:
- Gymnosperms are heterosporous, which means they produce two types of spores: microspores (male) and megaspores (female).

3. **Microspores Development**:
- Microspores develop into the male gametophyte. In gymnosperms, this male gametophyte is highly reduced in size.

4. **Characteristics of Male Gametophyte**:
- The male gametophyte in gymnosperms is confined to a limited number of cells and is known as the pollen grain.
- It is important to note that this gametophyte is not highly developed; rather, it is reduced and consists of a small number of cells.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the male gametophytic generation in gymnosperms is referred to as the pollen grain, which is semi-parasitic, free-living, and highly reduced.

### Final Answer:
In gymnosperms, the microspores develop into a male gametophytic generation known as pollen grains, which are highly reduced and consist of a limited number of cells.

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