Question

During the post-fertilisation development inside the ovule, how do the embryo and endosperm develop relative to each other?

Options

• The embryo and endosperm develop simultaneously while other cells of the embryo sac degenerate.

• The embryo fully matures before the primary endosperm nucleus begins mitotic divisions.

• Synergids and antipodals divide mitotically to accompany endosperm development.

• The endosperm degenerates completely before the zygote initiates division.

Answer 1

The primary endosperm nucleus undergoes repeated mitotic divisions, and the embryo and endosperm develop simultaneously inside the ovule. Other cells of the embryo sac degenerate, while endosperm provides nourishment to the developing embryo.