Double fertilisation is (2018)a)Fusion of two male gametes of a polle...
- Double fertilisation is unique and universal feature of angiosperms. Total number of nuclei involved in double fertilisation is five, i.e., 2 in syngamy and 3 in triple fusion.
- Syngamy is fusion of one male gamete with egg to form zygote.
- Triple fusion occurs when the second male gamete with 2 polar nuclei or secondary nucleus to form triploid primary endosperm nucleus.
Double fertilisation is (2018)a)Fusion of two male gametes of a polle...
Double fertilization is the unique process in angiosperms where two fertilizations occur during the formation of the zygote and endosperm. The correct option is (D) Syngamy and triple fusion. Let us understand the process of double fertilization and why option D is the correct answer.
Double Fertilization:
Double fertilization is a complex process that takes place in the angiosperms where two sperms are involved in fertilizing two female gametes. This process is unique to angiosperms and plays a vital role in seed development. The two fertilizations that occur during double fertilization are:
1. Syngamy:
Syngamy is the fusion of one sperm with the egg cell, forming a diploid zygote. The zygote develops into the embryo, which will grow into the new plant.
2. Triple Fusion:
Triple fusion is the fusion of the second sperm with two polar nuclei present in the central cell of the embryo sac, forming a triploid nucleus. This process results in the formation of a triploid endosperm, which provides nutrients to the developing embryo.
Why is option D the correct answer?
Option D is the correct answer because it correctly identifies the two fertilizations that occur during double fertilization; syngamy and triple fusion. Option A is incorrect because two male gametes do not fertilize two different eggs, but instead, one male gamete fuses with the egg cell and the other with the polar nuclei. Option B is incorrect because one male gamete does not fertilize two polar nuclei; instead, two polar nuclei fuse with one male gamete. Option C is incorrect because two male gametes do not fertilize one egg; instead, one male gamete fuses with the egg cell and the other with the polar nuclei.