Question

In a particular plant with bilobed dithecous anther, there were 50 Pollen Mother Cells. Only 25% could develop their pollen tubes. Calculate the number of pollen grains that would proceed for fertilisation.

Hint:

Remember: 1 Microspore Mother Cell (MMC) $\rightarrow$ 4 Pollen grains, but 1 Megaspore Mother Cell $\rightarrow$ only 1 functional Egg.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Each Pollen Mother Cell (PMC) undergoes meiosis to produce 4 pollen grains.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Total pollen grains produced = \(50 \times 4 = 200\).
2. Only 25% of these pollen grains successfully germinate and develop pollen tubes.
3. Calculation: \(200 \times 0.25 = 50\).

Step 3: Final Answer:
50 pollen grains will proceed for fertilisation.