Question:

What is megasporogenesis? Describe with a diagram the development of the female gametophyte in angiospermic plants.

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Megasporogenesis is essential for producing the egg cell that will fuse with the male gamete during fertilization.
Updated On: Sep 3, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: What is Megasporogenesis?
Megasporogenesis is the process by which megaspores are formed in the ovule of an angiosperm plant. These megaspores eventually develop into the female gametophyte, also known as the embryo sac.
Step 2: Development of Female Gametophyte.
1. Formation of Megaspores: In the ovule, the megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form four haploid megaspores, but only one of these megaspores survives. 2. Mitotic Division: The surviving megaspore undergoes three rounds of mitotic divisions to form the eight nuclei of the female gametophyte. 3. Embryo Sac Formation: The nuclei arrange themselves into a structure known as the embryo sac, consisting of the egg cell, two synergids, one central cell with two polar nuclei, and three antipodal cells.
Step 3: Diagram (if applicable).
(Include diagram of megasporogenesis and embryo sac formation)
A diagram would show the stages of megasporogenesis and the development of the female gametophyte in the ovule.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, megasporogenesis results in the formation of a female gametophyte, which plays a key role in fertilization.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Megasporogenesis is the formation of megaspores, which develop into the female gametophyte in angiosperms.}} \]
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