Select an incorrect statement regarding male gametophyte in angiosperms

Options

A. Absence of antheridia
B. Highly reduced
C. Presence of sperm
D. Exosporic nature

Answer

To determine the incorrect statement regarding the male gametophyte in angiosperms, we will analyze each option provided in the question.

### Step 1: Understand the Male Gametophyte
The male gametophyte in angiosperms is represented by pollen grains. Pollen grains are crucial for the reproduction process as they contain the male gametes (sperm cells).

### Step 2: Analyze Each Statement
1. **Absence of antheridia**:
- Antheridia are male reproductive structures found in lower plants like algae, bryophytes, and pteridophytes. In angiosperms, antheridia are absent as the male gametophyte (pollen grain) does not develop antheridia.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is correct.

2. **Highly reduced**:
- The male gametophyte (pollen grain) is indeed highly reduced in size compared to the male gametophytes of lower plants. This reduction is a characteristic feature of angiosperms.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is correct.

3. **Presence of a sperm**:
- Pollen grains contain sperm cells, which are essential for fertilization. Therefore, this statement is also correct.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is correct.

4. **Exosporic nature**:
- Exosporic development refers to the development of the gametophyte outside the spore. In angiosperms, the development of the male gametophyte is endosporic, meaning it occurs within the spore (pollen grain).
- **Conclusion**: This statement is incorrect.

### Step 3: Identify the Incorrect Statement
Based on the analysis, the incorrect statement regarding the male gametophyte in angiosperms is:
- **Exosporic nature**.

### Final Answer
The incorrect statement regarding male gametophyte in angiosperms is: **Exosporic nature**.

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