Site of discharge of pollen tube is:

Options

A. egg
B. degenerate synergid
C. antipodal
D. central cell

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Pollen Tube Function**: The pollen tube is formed after a pollen grain lands on the stigma of a flower. It grows down through the style towards the ovule, carrying sperm cells.

2. **Identifying the Structure of the Ovule**: The ovule contains several important structures:
- Antipodal cells (3 cells at one end)
- Egg apparatus (2 synergids and 1 egg cell)
- Central cell (contains two polar nuclei)

3. **Locating the Micropilar End**: The pollen tube enters the ovule at the micropilar end. This is the site where fertilization occurs.

4. **Path of the Pollen Tube**: Upon reaching the micropilar end, the pollen tube does not directly fertilize the egg cell. Instead, it discharges its contents into one of the two synergid cells.

5. **Discharge of Pollen Tube**: After the pollen tube enters, it releases two sperm cells. One sperm cell fertilizes the egg cell, while the other typically fuses with the two polar nuclei in the central cell.

6. **Degeneration of Synergids**: After the pollen tube discharges its contents, the synergid cells (the ones that received the pollen tube) degenerate. This degeneration is significant as it marks the site of discharge of the pollen tube.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the site of discharge of the pollen tube is the degenerated synergids.

**Final Answer**: The site of discharge of the pollen tube is the degenerated synergids.

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