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Question:

Draw a diagram of a mature embryo sac of an angiosperm and label the following parts in it: (i) Filiform apparatus (ii) Synergids (iii) Central cell (iv) Egg cell (v) Polar nuclei (vi) Antipodals

Solution:

A mature embryo sac of an angiosperm, also known as a megagametophyte, is a seven-celled, eight-nucleate structure. A diagram should depict an elongated structure. The labeling should accurately represent the following:

(i) Filiform apparatus: This is a structure found at the micropylar end of the synergids. It is composed of finger-like projections from the synergids' cell walls. It plays a crucial role in guiding the pollen tube towards the egg cell. The diagram should show these finger-like projections extending from the synergids.

(ii) Synergids: These are two haploid cells located at the micropylar end of the embryo sac, flanking the egg cell. They aid in pollen tube guidance and fertilization. The diagram should clearly show two cells next to the egg cell.

(iii) Central cell: This is a large, binucleate cell located in the center of the embryo sac. It contains two polar nuclei which fuse to form the secondary nucleus after fertilization by a sperm cell. The diagram should show a large cell in the center with two nuclei clearly marked as polar nuclei.

(iv) Egg cell: This is a haploid cell located at the micropylar end of the embryo sac. It is the female gamete that fuses with a sperm cell to form the zygote. The diagram should show a single cell adjacent to the synergids.

(v) Polar nuclei: These are two haploid nuclei located within the central cell. They fuse to form the diploid secondary nucleus which after fertilization by a sperm cell, gives rise to the endosperm. The diagram should show two nuclei within the central cell.

(vi) Antipodals: These are three haploid cells located at the chalazal end of the embryo sac. Their function is not fully understood, but they may play a role in nourishing the developing embryo sac. The diagram should show three cells at the opposite end from the egg apparatus (synergids, egg cell).

The diagram should clearly show the relative positions of all these components within the embryo sac, illustrating the micropylar and chalazal ends. The size and shape of the cells should be roughly proportional to their actual sizes in a mature embryo sac.