In gymnosperms, the pollen tube discharge the male gametes

Options

A. In the ovary
B. In the microsporangia
C. Near the mouth of the archegonia
D. Both (2) & (3)

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Gymnosperms**:
- Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that have seeds that are not enclosed within an ovary (hence the term "naked seeds"). Examples include Pinus (pine trees) and Cycas.

2. **Pollen Tube Function**:
- In gymnosperms, the male gametes are contained within pollen grains. When pollen grains land on the ovule, they germinate and form a pollen tube.

3. **Location of Male Gamete Discharge**:
- The pollen tube grows towards the female reproductive structure, specifically the archegonia, which is the part of the female gametophyte that houses the egg.

4. **Discharge of Male Gametes**:
- The male gametes are discharged from the pollen tube near the mouth of the archegonia. This is where fertilization occurs, as the male gametes (sperm) swim to the egg.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, in gymnosperms, the correct answer to where the pollen tube discharges the male gametes is "near the mouth of the archegonia."

### Final Answer:
- The correct option is **"near the mouth of the Archegonia."**

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