Question

The ratio of microspore mother cell to male gametes in a typical angiospermic plant:

• A. 1:1
• B. 1:2
• C. 1:4
• D. 1:8

Hint:

Remember, in angiosperms, the microspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form four microspores, and each of these forms male gametes (pollen grains) with two sperm cells.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In typical angiospermic plants, the microspore mother cell (MMC) undergoes meiosis to form four haploid microspores. Each of these microspores develops into a male gamete (pollen grain). Therefore, for every microspore mother cell, 8 male gametes are produced in total. This gives a ratio of 1:8.
- The microspore mother cell (2n) undergoes meiosis to produce four microspores (n).
- Each microspore develops into a male gamete (pollen grain), and each pollen grain contains two male gametes (sperm cells), making it a total of 8 male gametes formed from 1 microspore mother cell. Thus, the correct ratio is 1:8.