Question

Describe the formation of an embryo from a fertilized egg in angiosperms.

Answer 1

In angiosperms, embryo formation begins after fertilization, where one male gamete fuses with the egg to form a diploid zygote inside the embryo sac. This zygote undergoes mitotic divisions, initiating embryogenesis, and develops into a mature embryo. At the same time, the other male gamete fuses with the two polar nuclei to make a triploid primary endosperm nucleus. This nucleus then turns into nutritive endosperm tissue that supports the embryo. The embryo initially passes through stages like the globular stage, with dicot embryos forming two cotyledons and monocots one cotyledon. This coordinated development of embryo and endosperm leads to seed formation, essential for the reproduction of angiosperms.