The shedding of male gametophyte in Selaginella occurs at 13-celled stage which consists of

Options

A. 8 jacket cells, 1 generative cell, and 4 androgonial cells
B. 9 jacket cells and 4 androgonial cells
C. 12 jacket cells and 1 male gamete
D. 8 jacket cells, 1 prothalial cell, and 4 androgonial cells

Answer

To solve the question regarding the shedding of the male gametophyte in Selaginella at the 13-celled stage, we can break down the information step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Selaginella**:
- Selaginella is a type of pteridophyte, which means it is a seedless vascular plant. It reproduces through spores and has a life cycle that includes both gametophyte and sporophyte generations.

**Hint**: Remember that Selaginella belongs to the group of plants known as pteridophytes.

2. **Identifying Male Gametophyte Development**:
- The male gametophyte in Selaginella develops within a structure called the microsporangium. It undergoes several cell divisions to reach the shedding stage.

**Hint**: Focus on the structure where male gametes are produced, which is the microsporangium.

3. **Recognizing the Shedding Stage**:
- The question specifies that the shedding of the male gametophyte occurs at the 13-celled stage. At this stage, the male gametophyte is composed of specific types of cells.

**Hint**: Pay attention to the number and types of cells present in the male gametophyte at the 13-celled stage.

4. **Analyzing the Cell Composition**:
- The male gametophyte at this stage consists of:
- 8 jacket cells
- 1 prothelial cell
- 4 androgonial cells

**Hint**: Recall the roles of different cell types in the male gametophyte.

5. **Choosing the Correct Option**:
- Among the provided options, the correct one that matches the composition of the male gametophyte at the 13-celled stage is:
- **Option 4**: 8 jacket cells, 1 prothelial cell, and 4 androgonial cells.

**Hint**: Verify the cell counts and types against the options given to find the correct answer.

### Final Answer:
The shedding of the male gametophyte in Selaginella occurs at the 13-celled stage, which consists of **8 jacket cells, 1 prothelial cell, and 4 androgonial cells** (Option 4).