From the statements given below choose the option that are true for a typical female gametophyte of
(i) It is 8-nucleate and 7-celled at maturity
(ii) It is free-nuclear during the development.
(iii) It is situated inside the integument but outside the nucellus.
(iv) It has an egg apparatus situated at the chalazal end
(A) i and iv
(B) ii and iii
(C) i and ii
(D) ii and iv

Options

A. i and iv
B. ii and iii
C. i and ii
D. ii and iv

Answer

C

Explanation

Female gametophyte or inside of embryo sac nuclellus is covered by integuments. In most of the flowering plants one megaspore remains active and remaining three degrade- disintegrate. The nucleus of functional megaspore divides three times one by one and form 8-nucleate female gametophyte
Thus out of 6 nucleus, six are arranged towards both the poles. Three nuclei get arranged at the end of micropyle and forms egg-apparatus and towards hylum end three nuclei form antipodal cells. There are two nuclei in the large cell located in centre. It forms the large central cell. Meiosis occuring in formation of embryo sac is strictly free nuclear, nuclear divisions are not followed immediately by cell wall formation. Gametophyte is located at the end of chalaza not at hylum end