Question

Describe the development of the male gametophyte from the microspore mother cell to the production of sperm.

Answer 1

1. Microspore mother cell (diploid) in the anther undergoes meiosis to produce four haploid microspores (microsporogenesis).
2. Each microspore develops into a pollen grain (male gametophyte) with two cells: a larger vegetative cell and a smaller generative cell.
3. The generative cell divides mitotically to form two haploid male gametes (sperm).
4. During fertilization, the vegetative cell forms the pollen tube to deliver the two sperms.
5. Thus, in one microspore mother cell, four male gametophytes are formed, each producing two sperm.