Monosporic development of female gametophyte refers to the process by which a single spore gives rise to a female gametophyte. This process occurs in angiosperms, the flowering plants, and involves several stages.

Formation of the Embryo Sac

The first stage of monosporic development is the formation of the embryo sac. This occurs within the ovule of the flower and involves the differentiation of a single cell within the ovule. This cell undergoes three rounds of mitosis to produce eight nuclei, which are arranged in two sets of four.

Formation of the Female Gametophyte

The eight nuclei within the embryo sac then undergo a process known as cellularization, which involves the formation of cell walls between the nuclei. This results in the formation of seven cells, each with a single nucleus, and one cell with two nuclei. The seven cells are arranged in three groups: the egg apparatus, the central cell, and the antipodal cells.

The Egg Apparatus

The egg apparatus consists of three cells: the egg cell and two synergids. The egg cell is the female gamete, which will fuse with a sperm cell during fertilization to form the zygote. The synergids are involved in guiding the pollen tube to the egg cell.

The Central Cell

The central cell is the largest cell in the embryo sac and contains two nuclei. These nuclei will fuse to form the endosperm, which is a nutrient-rich tissue that will nourish the developing embryo.

The Antipodal Cells

The antipodal cells are three cells that are located opposite the egg apparatus. Their function is not well understood, but they may play a role in regulating the development of the embryo sac.

Conclusion

In conclusion, monosporic development of female gametophyte is a complex process that involves the differentiation of a single cell within the ovule. This process gives rise to the female gametophyte, which plays a crucial role in sexual reproduction in flowering plants.