In Cycas, the endosperm is

Options

A. Sporophytic structure
B. Gametophytic structure
C. New structure
D. Formed after fertilisation.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Type of Plant**: Recognize that Cycas is a gymnosperm. Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers and cycads.

2. **Understand the Role of Endosperm**: The endosperm is a nutritive tissue that provides nourishment to the developing embryo within the seed.

3. **Differentiate Between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms**: In angiosperms (flowering plants), the endosperm is formed through a process called double fertilization, resulting in a triploid (3n) structure. In contrast, gymnosperms like Cycas do not undergo double fertilization.

4. **Formation of Endosperm in Gymnosperms**: In gymnosperms, the endosperm is formed without fertilization, which means it is a haploid (n) structure derived from the female gametophyte.

5. **Identify the Generations in Seeds**: In the seeds of gymnosperms, there are three generations present:
- The parent sporophyte (represented by the seed coat).
- The female gametophyte (which stores food and acts as the endosperm).
- The future sporophyte (represented by the embryo).

6. **Conclude the Nature of Endosperm in Cycas**: Since the endosperm in Cycas is derived from the female gametophyte and is haploid, it can be classified as a gametophytic structure.

7. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the endosperm in Cycas is a gametophytic structure.

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