Which of the following statements is true? A protandrous flower contains stamens but not carpels. A megasporocyte will develop into a pollen grain. Endosperm forms in the embryo sac prior to fertilization. Microsporocytes are found in the anther. Fertilization in angiosperms occurs in the pollen tube.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Microsporocytes are found in the anther.
Explanation:
In flowering plants (angiosperms), the male reproductive structures are located in the anther, which is part of the stamen. Inside the anther, special diploid cells known as microsporocytes (also called pollen mother cells) undergo meiosis to produce microspores. These microspores develop into pollen grains, which are the male gametophytes responsible for fertilization. Therefore, the statement that microsporocytes are found in the anther is correct.
Let’s examine the other statements and why they are incorrect:
- “A protandrous flower contains stamens but not carpels” is false. A protandrous flower has both stamens and carpels, but the stamens mature before the carpels. This timing helps prevent self-pollination and promotes cross-pollination. It does not mean the flower lacks carpels.
- “A megasporocyte will develop into a pollen grain” is incorrect. A megasporocyte is a diploid cell found in the ovule of the ovary. It undergoes meiosis to produce megaspores, which develop into the female gametophyte, not a pollen grain. Pollen grains arise from microsporocytes.
- “Endosperm forms in the embryo sac prior to fertilization” is also false. The endosperm is a triploid tissue that forms after double fertilization, which is unique to angiosperms. One sperm nucleus fuses with the egg to form a zygote, while another fuses with the two polar nuclei to form the endosperm.
- “Fertilization in angiosperms occurs in the pollen tube” is not entirely accurate. While the pollen tube delivers the sperm cells to the ovule, actual fertilization occurs inside the ovule, not in the pollen tube.
Thus, the only fully accurate and complete statement is that microsporocytes are found in the anther.