Question

If the cells in the leaves of a maize plant contain 10 chromosomes each, write the number of chromosomes in its endosperm and zygote. Name and explain the process by which an endosperm and a zygote are formed in maize.

Hint:

Double fertilisation is a characteristic feature of angiosperms, resulting in the formation of both zygote and endosperm.

Answer 1

Chromosomes in zygote: 10 (diploid). Chromosomes in endosperm: 15 (triploid). Process: Zygote formation: One male gamete fuses with the egg cell (syngamy) to form the zygote. Endosperm formation: The second male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei in the central cell (triple fusion), forming the triploid endosperm.