How many mitotic division takes place for complete development of female gametophyte in an angiosperm ?

Options

A. 4
B. 3
C. 2
D. 1

Answer

To determine how many mitotic divisions take place for the complete development of the female gametophyte in an angiosperm, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Female Gametophyte**:
- The female gametophyte in angiosperms is also known as the embryo sac. It develops from a functional megaspore after meiosis.

2. **Meiosis in Megasporangium**:
- In the megasporangium (ovule), the megasporocyte undergoes meiosis, resulting in four megaspores. Out of these, only one megaspore remains functional while the other three degenerate.

3. **First Mitotic Division**:
- The functional megaspore undergoes its first mitotic division, resulting in a two-nucleate embryo sac.

4. **Second Mitotic Division**:
- The two-nucleate embryo sac undergoes a second mitotic division, resulting in a four-nucleate embryo sac.

5. **Third Mitotic Division**:
- The four-nucleate embryo sac undergoes a third mitotic division, resulting in an eight-nucleate embryo sac.

6. **Formation of Cells**:
- After the third mitotic division, the eight nuclei organize into seven cells. This includes:
- 3 cells forming the egg apparatus (2 synergids and 1 egg cell) at the micropylar end.
- 3 antipodal cells at the chalazal end.
- 2 polar nuclei in the center.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the total number of mitotic divisions that occur for the complete development of the female gametophyte is **3**.

### Final Answer:
The number of mitotic divisions that take place for the complete development of the female gametophyte in an angiosperm is **3**.