What is archesporial cell?
An archesporial cell that is part of a megasporangium and divides to give rise to a megasporocyte. Found in heterosporous ferns and seed plants. May also give rise to sterile cells. In the majority of flowering plants, including Arabidopsis, the female archesporial cell elongates and polarizes longitudinally, and directly differentiates into the megasporocyte or megaspore mother cell. In some flowering plants, it undergoes a periclinal division, and subsequently, the inner cell differentiates into the megasporocyte.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all NEET courses
What is archesporial cell?
Archsporial Cell
An archesporial cell is a specialized cell found in the sporogenous tissue of plants. It plays a crucial role in the process of sporogenesis, which leads to the formation of spores. These spores are essential for plant reproduction and dispersal.
Formation of Archesporial Cells
During the development of sporogenous tissue, certain cells differentiate into archesporial cells. This differentiation process is regulated by various genetic and hormonal factors. The archesporial cells are typically located near the periphery of the sporogenous tissue.
Function of Archesporial Cells
The primary function of archesporial cells is to undergo meiosis, a specialized type of cell division that results in the formation of haploid cells. Meiosis in archesporial cells produces spore mother cells or microspore mother cells in the anther of a flower or megaspore mother cells in the ovule of a flower.
Meiosis in Archesporial Cells
Meiosis is a complex process that involves two rounds of cell division, resulting in the production of four haploid cells from a single diploid archesporial cell. This reduction in chromosome number is essential for sexual reproduction in plants.
Development of Spores
The spore mother cells produced by meiosis in archesporial cells undergo further differentiation and development to form spores. In the anther, microspore mother cells give rise to microspores, which will eventually develop into pollen grains. In the ovule, megaspore mother cells produce megaspores, which will ultimately develop into the female gametophyte.
Importance of Archesporial Cells
Archesporial cells are crucial for plant reproduction as they are responsible for the production of spores. Spores serve as the starting point for the development of male and female gametophytes, which are necessary for fertilization and subsequent seed formation.
Conclusion
Archesporial cells are specialized cells in plant sporogenous tissue that undergo meiosis to produce spore mother cells. These spore mother cells further differentiate to form spores, which are essential for plant reproduction. Understanding the role and development of archesporial cells provides insights into the reproductive mechanisms of plants.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.