Question

Which pair of the following cells in the embryo sac are destined to change their ploidy after fertilization ?

• A. Egg cell and central cell
• B. Antipodals and synergids
• C. Synergids and egg cell
• D. Central cell and antipodals

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The correct answer is (A) : Egg cell and central cell.

Answer 2

The correct answer is: (A) Egg cell and central cell.

In the embryo sac of plants, several cells are involved in the process of fertilization. After fertilization, certain cells undergo changes in their ploidy (the number of sets of chromosomes). Specifically, the two cells that change their ploidy are:

• Egg cell: The egg cell is haploid (n) before fertilization. When it is fertilized by the male gamete (sperm), it becomes diploid (2n), forming the zygote, which will develop into the embryo.
• Central cell: The central cell, which contains two haploid polar nuclei, also undergoes a change after fertilization. The male gamete (sperm) fuses with the two polar nuclei, resulting in a triploid (3n) central cell. This forms the endosperm, which provides nourishment to the developing embryo.

Therefore, the egg cell and central cell are the two cells in the embryo sac that undergo a change in ploidy after fertilization, with the egg cell becoming diploid (2n) and the central cell becoming triploid (3n).