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Question:

Select one of the following pairs of important features distinguishing Gnetum from Cycas and Pinus and showing affinities with angiosperms. Absence of resin duct and leaf venationPerianth and no integumentsEmbryo development and apical meristemPresence of vessel elements and absence of archegonia

Perianth and no integuments

Embryo development and apical meristem

Absence of resin duct and leaf venation

Presence of vessel elements and absence of archegonia

Solution:

Unlike Cycas and Pinus, Gnetum shows the presence of vessel elements and the complete absence of archegonia in female gametophyte. Thus, Gnetum shows affinities with angiosperms. It resembles angiosperms in several other aspects like the presence of tetrasporic embryo sac, free nuclear divisions in the embryo sac, two cotyledonous embryo, etc.Hence the correct option is D.