Male gametophyte of angiosperms is shed as

Options

A. four-celled pollen grain
B. three-celled pollen grain
C. microspore mother cell
D. anther

Explanation

To answer the question "Male gametophyte of angiosperms is shed as," we need to understand the development of the male gametophyte in flowering plants, specifically focusing on the pollen grain.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Male Gametophyte**: The male gametophyte in angiosperms is represented by the pollen grain. It is crucial to recognize that the pollen grain undergoes specific developmental stages.

2. **Development of Pollen Grain**: Initially, the pollen grain starts as a microspore that undergoes mitotic division. This division results in the formation of two types of cells:
- **Vegetative Cell**: This cell is larger and contains dense cytoplasm and reserve food material.
- **Generative Cell**: This cell is smaller and will eventually divide to form male gametes.

3. **Formation of Male Gametes**: The generative cell undergoes another mitotic division, resulting in the formation of two male gametes. Thus, at this stage, the pollen grain consists of:
- One vegetative cell
- Two male gametes

4. **Cellular Stages of Pollen Grain**:
- The pollen grain can be in a **two-celled stage** (comprising the vegetative cell and the generative cell) or a **three-celled stage** (comprising one vegetative cell and two male gametes).
- Approximately 60% of angiosperms shed their pollen at the two-celled stage, while 40% shed at the three-celled stage.

5. **Conclusion**: The question asks about the stage at which the male gametophyte is shed. Since 40% of angiosperms shed the male gametophyte at the three-celled stage, the correct answer is that the male gametophyte of angiosperms is shed as a **three-celled pollen grain**.

### Final Answer:
The male gametophyte of angiosperms is shed as a **three-celled pollen grain**.

---