What is the genetic constitution of endosperm in angiosperms ?

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Endosperm**: The endosperm is a tissue in angiosperms that provides nourishment to the developing embryo. It is formed during the fertilization process.

2. **Fertilization Process**: In angiosperms, the fertilization process involves double fertilization. This means that one male gamete fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote, while the other male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei.

3. **Formation of Polar Nuclei**: The polar nuclei are haploid (N), meaning they contain a single set of chromosomes. In the embryo sac, there are two polar nuclei.

4. **Triple Fusion**: During double fertilization, the second male gamete fuses with the two polar nuclei, resulting in a structure that has three sets of chromosomes. This process is known as triple fusion.

5. **Genetic Constitution of Endosperm**: The fusion of one male gamete (haploid) with the two polar nuclei (also haploid) results in a triploid (3N) endosperm. Therefore, the genetic constitution of the endosperm in angiosperms is triploid.

6. **Function of Endosperm**: The triploid endosperm, referred to as the Primary Endosperm Nucleus, plays a crucial role in providing nutrition to the developing zygote and embryo.

**Final Answer**: The genetic constitution of endosperm in angiosperms is triploid (3N).

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