Question

Describe the development of male gametophyte from microspore.

Answer 1

1. The initial cell of a male gametophyte is called a microspore or pollen grain.
2. The pollen grain’s protoplast undergoes mitotic division to produce two separate cells: a large, naked vegetative or tube cell and a small, thin-walled generative cell.
3. The generative cell has a nucleus and thin cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm of a vegetative cell, it separates and floats.
4. The vegetative cell has a nucleus with an uneven shape, dense cytoplasm, and stored food.
5. After the anther disintegrates in most angiosperm species, the pollen grains are released in the two-celled stage.
6. The pollen grain’s generative cell differentiates into two immobile male gametes during mitosis.