The embryo sac of an angiosperms is made up of

Options

A. 8 cells
B. 7 cells and 8 nuclei
C. 8 nuclei
D. 7 cells and 7 nuclei

Answer

To answer the question about the composition of the embryo sac in angiosperms, we can break down the information step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Embryo Sac**: The embryo sac is the female gametophyte in angiosperms (flowering plants) where fertilization occurs. It is located within the ovule.

2. **Cell Types in the Embryo Sac**:
- The embryo sac typically contains **seven cells**:
- **One egg cell**: This is the female gamete that will fuse with a male gamete during fertilization.
- **Two synergid cells**: These cells are located near the egg cell and help guide the pollen tube for fertilization.
- **Three antipodal cells**: These cells are located at the opposite end of the embryo sac and their function is not entirely clear, but they are thought to play a role in the development of the embryo sac.

3. **Nuclei Count**:
- The total number of nuclei in the embryo sac is **eight**:
- The **egg cell** has **one nucleus**.
- The **two synergid cells** each have **one nucleus**, contributing **two nuclei**.
- The **three antipodal cells** each have **one nucleus**, contributing **three nuclei**.
- Additionally, there are **two polar nuclei** (also referred to as secondary nuclei) that are present in the center of the embryo sac, which fuse with one of the male gametes during double fertilization to form the endosperm.

4. **Total Summary**:
- **Total Cells**: 7 (1 egg + 2 synergids + 3 antipodals + 1 central cell)
- **Total Nuclei**: 8 (1 from the egg + 2 from synergids + 3 from antipodals + 2 polar nuclei)

### Final Answer:
The embryo sac of angiosperms is made up of **seven cells and eight nuclei**.

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