CBSE CHAPTERWISE QB CLASS 12 BIOLOGY PAGE 17

CHAPTER 1
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

SUMMARY 2.1 Stamen

Stamen is the male reproductive part of the
flowers. It consists of 2 parts anther and filament-
1. FLOWER long slender stalk. Pollen grains are produced in
the bilobed anther.
A typical flower is a highly modified condensed
shoot that is essentially meant for the purpose 2.2 Anther
of performing the process of sexual reproduction
in plants. A flower is mainly composed of four The anther is bilobed. Each lobe has two theca,
different whorls Calyx,Corolla , Andorecium hence called dithecus. A groove separates them.
(male reproductive unit) and Gynoecium (Female The structure of anther is tetragonal. Four
reproductive unit). These are also known as floral microsporangia lie at corners and in each lose of
appendages. anther, there are two pollen sacs.

1.1 Flower Structure 2.3 Structure of Microsporangium

The important parts of a flower are (a) Pedicel, A typical microsporangium is surrounded by
(b) Receptacle, (c) Thalamus, (d) Calyx, (e) four wall layers, i.e. the epidermis, endothecium,
Corolla, (f) Androecium and (g) Gynoecium. middle layers and the tapetum. Tapetum
In the flower androecium consists of stamens. nourishes the pollen but all other layers are
Statmen represents male reproductive organs protective in function and help in dehiscence of
of flower while gynoecium forms the female anther to release pollen grains.
reproductive organs.
2.4 Microsporogenesis
1.2 Sexual Reproduction in Angiospermic Plants (Flowering A young anther consists of homogenous mass of
Plants) undifferentiated meristematic cells surrounded
It takes place with the help of flower. Flower is by an epidermis. It is called sporogenous tissue.
therefore the most important reproductive part A microsporangium contains sporogenous cells
of the plant and in site of sexual reproduction. which divide mitotically and increases their
Flower is a modified shoot. number before they function as Potential Mother
Cell (PMC). Each pollen mother cell divides
2. PRE-FERTILIZATION : THE STRUCTURES AND THE meiotically and consequently, four microspores are
EVENTS formed from each PMC. All the four microspores
remain enclosed in a common wall. This four
The events which occur before the fertilisation
celled organisation is called tetrad.
are called pre-fertilisation events. Several
hormonal and structural change in plants led to 2.5 Development of Male Gametophyte (Pollen Grain)
the differentiation and further development of the
floral primordium. The pollen grains, on reaching stigma germinate
Inflorescences are formed which bear the and intine comes out through the germ pore to
floral buds and then the flowers. In the flower, form pollen tube. The tube cell dies and generative
the androecium (male reproductive part) cell undergoes mitotic division to form two male
and gynoecium (female reproductive part) gametes. One of the male gametes fuses with
differentiate and develop to form male and female the egg cell and other with the polar nuclei to
gametophyte. complete the process of fertilization. Pollen may
cause allergy and bronchial afflictions in humans.

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

The pollen grain is the first cell of the male Types of Pollination
gametophyte. It produces two male gametes. Both
male gametes are discharged into the embryo sac. The
male gametophyte is formed by microsporogensis. It
occurs inside the stamen of anther.
Pistil
Three parts of a pistil or carpel are ovary, style
and the stigma.
Ovule (Microsporangium)
The ovules are found in the ovary. The ovules has
a stalk that is known as the funicle and an opening
called micropyle as well as two protective layers
called integuments. The nucellus is central tissue
of ovule. The differentiation of archesporium
occurs in this part of ovule.

2.6 Developmentof Female Gametophyte: Mgasporogenesis

3.1 Hydrophily
A cell of archesporium is called the megaspore
mother cell. It divides meiotically (reduction The cross pollination by water is called hydrophily.
division). One of the megaspores forms the It occurs in aquatic plants. It is two types :
functional embryo sac or the female gametophyte. 1. Hypohyetrphily
Mature embryo sac is seven celled but it is eight 2. Ephdrophily
nucleate. Towards the chalazal end are the antipodal Example : Zostera, Vallisneria and Ceratophyllum
cells. At the micropylar end is egg apparatus having
2 synergids and one egg cell. Two polar nuclei lie 3.2 Entomophily
in the central part of embryo sac. Pollination by insects is known as entomophily.
The Female Gametophyte (Embryo sac) Example: Salvia and Euphorbia.
It is eight nucleate, containing one egg cell 3.3 Anemophily
and two synergids at the micropylar end, three
antipodal cells at the chalazal end and two polar Pollination by wind is termed as anemophily.
or secondary nuclei. After fertilization, the zygote Example: Maize and coconut palm, apple, peach,
divides and redivides to produce a proembryo date palm, grasses and cannabis.
whereas the secondary nucleus forms a triploidy 3.4 Pollen Pistil InteraCtion
endosperms.
The geitonogamy-This involves all the reactions or
events when pollen falls on stigma to the entrance
of pollen tube into the embryo sac. If pollination is
compatible, then double fertilization takes place.
Its products are zygote (2N) and tripled primary
endosperm nucleus (PEC, 3N). Zygote forms the
embryo but PEC develops into endosperm.

3.5 Double Fertilization

Pollen grains germinate on the stigma. The nucleus
of the pollen grain divides to produce vegetative
and generative cells and later on male gametes.
One of the male gametes fuses with egg cell. It
is called syngamy. The other nucleus fuses with
3. POLLINATION
secondary diploid nucleus. There is fertilization at
two places. It is called double fertilization. Entry
Agents/ of pollen tube into ovule may occur by 3 routes:
Agencies of Pollination: Wind, water, insects, progamy, chalazogamy and mesogamy.
birds and bats help in pollination in flowers.

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4. POST FERTILIZATION :STRUCTURE AND EVENTS OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

These involve embryo formation, endosperm
formation, seed as well as the fruit formation. 1. Thalamus is edible part of:
These events take place soon after the double
(a) Annona (b) Apple
fertilisation.
(c) Orange (d) All of these
4.1 Endosperm Ans : OD 2024, 2017

Endosperm development precedes embryo The edible part of apple is thalamus. In orange, it
development and It many be of three types: is mesocarp while in annona it is aril.
helobial, cellular and nuclear. Thus (b) is correct option.

5. DEVELOPMENT OF EMBRYO : EMBRYOGENY 2. Cleistogamous flowers are always:

(a) Self-Pollinated (b) Cross pollinated
The pro-embryo finally develops into an embryo.
(c) Both (d) None
It gives rise to hypocotyl, radicle, epicotyl, plumule
and cotyledons. It gets its food from the nucleolus Ans : OD 2017
and perishes ultimately; remains as a thin layer Cleistogamy is a type of automatic self pollination
outside endosperm and is referred to as the of certain plants that can propagate by using
perisperm. Changes in tissue outside embryo sac non-opening, self-pollinating flowers. It is more
leads to formation of the seed. It has two coats: common in grass family. Other examples are
taste and tegmen. Ovary ripens into the fruits. peanuts, peas etc.
Thus (a) is correct option.
6. EMBRYO OF MONOCOT AND DICOT
3. Acetabularia is a type of:
Mature dicot embryo has 2 cotyledons and
(a) Bacteria
embryonal axis with epicotyl and hypocotyl. The
embryo of monocotyledons has only one cotyledon. (b) Algae
After fertilization, the ovary is developed into the (c) Protozoa
fruit. The ovules develop into seeds. (d) Single cell protein

7. SEEDS Ans : OD 2017

Acetabularia is a genus of green algae in the family
Spermology polyphysaceae. It is a single-celled organism but
[Link] endospermic (alubuminous) gigantic in size and complex in form making it
e.g., maize wheat, castor, coconut etc. or non excellent modal organism for studying cell biology.
endospermic (ex-albuminous) e.g., almond, gram Thus (b) is correct option.
seed as well as the bean seed. Seeds of angiosperms
fall into 2 groups: 1. monocotyledonous seeds and 4. Central cell of embryosac is:
2. dicotyledonous seeds. (a) primary nucleus
(b) secondary nucleus
8. FRUIT
(c) synergid
(d) both (a) and (b)
of fruit is called true fruit. However, other floral
parts may also take part in the formation of fruit. Ans : OD 2016

It then become a false fruit. The central cell of embryosac is called as

secondary nucleus. This nucleus fuses with second
9. SOME IMPORTANT DEFINATIONS male gamete during fertilization to from triploidy
primary endosperm nucleus (PEN), that give rise
1. Apomixis and Polyembryony: Formation of
to endosperm of seed.
seeds without fertilization.
Thus (b) is correct option.
2. Polyembroyony
5. Aril is edible part of:
3. Parthenocarpy: It is the phenomenon in (a) Annona (b) Apple
flowers, (c) Orange (d) all of these
Ans : OD 2016
Aril is a edible part of annona. In orange, it is
mesocarp while in apple, it is thalamus.
Thus (a) is correct option.

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

6. Hydrophilic pollination occurs in: 10. Pollen grains represent:

(a) Eichornea (b) Lotus (a) Saprophyte (b) Gametophyte
(c) Hydrilla (d) Both a and c (c) Male Gametophyte (d) None of these
Ans : OD 2016 Ans : OD 2013
Hydrophilic pollination occurs in both eichornea Pollen grain is a microscopic body, found on
and hydrilla, while in lotus pollination is flowers that contain male gametophyte.
performed by insects. Thus (c) is correct option.
Thus (d) is correct option.
11. The wall of pollen grain is:
7. Aril is edible in which of the following fruits ? (a) Single layered (b) Double layered
(a) Myristica (b) Litchi (c) Triple layered (d) Multilayered
(c) Annona (d) All of these Ans : OD 2013
Ans : OD 2016 The wall of pollen grain is made up of two layers,
In all of the given options aril is an edible part outer exine and inner intine.
of the fruit. It is an specialised out growth from Thus (b) is correct option.
a seed that partly or completely covers the seed.
Thus (d) is correct option. 12. Pollen grain may be:
(a) Gametophyte (b) Articulated
8. How many chromosomes are present in endosperm (c) Allergent (d) All of these
?
Ans : OD 2013
(a) n (b) 2n Pollen of some plants acts as allergent. They
(c) 3n (d) Both (a) and (c) cause bronchitis in allergic persons.
Ans : OD 2013 Thus (c) is correct option.
Endosperm contain three sets of chromosome i.e.
they are triploidy (3n) in nature. It is formed by 13. What is fertilisation?
fusion of second male gamete with the two polar (a) Fusion of egg with male nuclei
nuclei or secondary nucleus in the central cell. (b) Fusion of egg with secondary nucleus
Thus (c) is correct option. (c) Fusion of egg with synergid
(d) None of these
9. Anemophilous flowers are usually:
(a) attractive (b) small Ans : OD 2012

(c) colourless (d) both (b) and (c) The process of fusion of egg with male pro-nucleus
is called as fertilization. In it, haploid male and
Ans : OD 2013
female gametes fuse to form a normal diploid
Those flowers which are pollinated by wind are offspring.
called Anemophilous flowers. Such flowers are Thus (a) is correct option.
small, colourless and inconspicuous.
Thus (d) is correct option. 14. Anemophily is pollination by:
(a) Birds (b) Bats
DDIRECDION : For the following question nos. 10 to 12 a (c) Snails (d) Wind
passage is given. Iead carefully the passage and select the Ans : OD 2011
correct answer out of given four option: The process of pollination by wind is termed
In the case of plants pollen grain contains as anemophily. Such flowers are called as
male gametophyte. Pollen grains are variously anemophilous flowers. They are inconspicuous,
articulated, but basically spherical in shape. They devoid of scent etc. eg. grass.
have two layers-outer one is Exine and inner one Thus (d) is correct option.
is Intine. A mature pollen grain has two cells-
15. Entomophily is the pollination by:
Vegetative cell and Generative cell. The nucleus
(a) Birds (b) Bats
of generative divides and forms two male gametes.
Pollen grains are rich source of protein. Vitamins (c) Wind (d) Insects
and minerals also. Pollen of some of the plants Ans : OD 2010
may cause allergy leading to bronchitis. Pollination by insect is termed as entomophily.
Insect pollinated flowers are usually bright
coloured. Scented and have nectar that attracts

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insects towards them. 20. Double fertilisation is exhibited by

Thus (d) is correct option. (a) gymnosperms (b) algae
(c) fungi (d) angiosperms
16. Which one forms endosperm after fusion with
male gamete ? Ans : SQP 2007

(a) Oosphere Double fertilisation is the characteristic feature of

angiosperms. In this type of fertilisation one male
(b) Synergids
gamete fuses with an egg and forms zygote. The
(c) Antipodals second male gamete fuses with diploid secondary
(d) Secondary nucleus nucleus of central cell to form a triploidy primary
Ans : OD 2024, 2009 endosperm nucleus.
Endosperm is formed from the primary endosperm Thus (d) is correct option.
nucleus. Its formation starts before the formation
of embryo. Primary endosperm nucleus is produced 21. Which one of the following statements is not true?
by fusion of secondary nucleus and second male (a) Exine of pollen grains is made up of
gamete. The endosperm is thus tripled (3n). sporopollenin.
Thus (d) is correct option. (b) Pollen grains of many species cause severe
allergies.
17. Attractants and rewards are required for (c) Stored pollen in liquid nitrogen can be used
(a) anemophily (b) entomophily in the crop breeding programmes.
(c) hydrophily (d) cleistogamy (d) Tapetum helps in the dehiscence of anther.
Ans : COMP 2006 Ans : OD 2005
Attractants and rewards are required for Tapetum is the inner layer of microsporangium
entomophily (insect pollination). Flowers produce (anther) which provides nourishment to developing
specific odour and nectar to attract the insect for pollen grain after meiotic cell division.
effective pollination. Entomophilous flowers are Thus (d) is correct option.
large with bright colours.
Thus (b) is correct option. 22. Seed formation without fertilisation in flowering
plants involves the process of
18. A dioecious flowering plant prevents both (a) budding
(a) autogamy and xenogamy
(b) somatic hybridisation
(b) autogamy and geitonogamy
(c) apomixis
(c) geitonogamy and xenogamy
(d) sporulation
(d) cleistogamy an xenogamy
Ans : FOREIGN 2013
Ans : OD 2008 Apomixis is a special mechanism found in flowering
Dioecious flowering plants contain unisexual plants to produce seeds without fertilisation. It is
flower. In dioecious condition two types of a type of asexual reproduction which mimics the
unisexual flowers occur on different plants. sexual reproduction and is commonly found in
Hence, it does not favour autogamy and Citrus varieties.
geitonogamy because autogamy takes place in Thus (c) is correct option.
bisexual flowers and geitonogamy takes place
between different flower of the same plant. 23. Proximal end of the filament of stamen is attached
Thus (b) is correct option. to the
(a) connective (b) placenta
19. Functional magaspore in an angiosperm develops
(c) thalamus or petal (d) anther
into
(a) ovule (b) endosperm Ans : COMP 2015
A typical stamen consist of anther and filament.
(c) embryo sac (d) embryo
The proximal end of filament is attached to
Ans : DELHI 2011 thalamus or petal of the flower whereas distal end
In angiosperms, functional magaspore develops bears anther.
into an embryo sac. The functional megaspore is Thus (c) is correct option.
the first cell of female gametophyte.
Thus (c) is correct option. 24. The coconut water from tender coconut represents
(a) fleshy mesocarp

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(b) free-nuclear proembryo functional megaspore. This divides mitotically

(c) free-nuclear endosperm and forms embryo sac which contains following
(d) endocarp structures.
Ans : OD 2010, DELHI 2012
Coconut milk represents free-nuclear endosperm
where the division of primary endosperm
nucleus is not followed by formation of cell walls
(cytokinesis) thus all nucleus remain free in liquid
form. It is rich in plant hormone cytokinin. 1. One egg cell with 2 synergids forming an egg
Thus (c) is correct option. apparatus.
2. There are 3 antipodal cells.
25. Cotyledon of maize grain is called
3. There are two central cells which are seen as
(a) coleorhiza (b) coleoptile
secondary nucleus (2n).
(c) scutellum (d) plumule Egg does not have filiform apparatus. It is the
Ans : SQP 2009, FOREIGN 2010 synergids which have special cellular thickenings
Large, shield shaped cotyledon of grass family is at the micropylar tip which is called filiform
called scutellum. Coleorhiza is a sheath protecting apparatus. This guides pollen tube into the
the root of germinating grass. synergids.
Coleoptile is a sheath covering emerging shoot. Thus (c) is correct option.
Plumule is rudimentary shoot of an embryo plant.
Thus (c) is correct option. 28. Pollination in water hyacinth and water lily is
brought about by the agency of
26. Which of the following statements is not correct? (a) water (b) insects or wind
(a) Insects that consume pollen or nectar without (c) birds (d) bats
bringing about pollination are called pollen
nectar robbers Ans : SQP 2005
Water hyacinth has single spike of 8-15 conspicuous
(b) Pollen germination and pollen tube growth attractive flowers which attract bees and other
are requlated by chemical components of insects. These insects pollinate them. This plant
pollen interacting with those of the pistil is an aquatic weed.
(c) Some reptiles have also been reported as Water lily is also an aquatic plant with large
pollinators in some plant species conspicuous coloured flowers. Most of the species
(d) Pollen grains of many species can germinate are bee pollinated except few species where wind
on the stigma of a flower, but only one pollen pollination occurs. Insect pollinated flowers have
tube of the same species grows into the style coloured petals, big size and they offer fragrance
Ans : COMP 2012, OD 2015 and nectar to attract insects which bring about
Pollen grains of different species are incompatible, pollination in them.
so they fail to germinate. Only the pollen of the Thus (b) is correct option.
same species germinate and can form pollen tube
29. The ovule of an angiosperm is technically
which grows and finally dispatches male gamete
equivalent to
to embryo sac.
(a) megasporangium
Thus (d) is correct option.
(b) megaspoophyll
27. In majority of angiosperms (c) megaspore mother cell
(a) egg has a filiform apparatus (d) megaspore
(b) there are numerous antipodal cells
Ans : SQP 2009
(c) reduction division occurs in the megaspore Ovule of an Angiosperm is equivalent to
mother cells megasporangium which consists of 2 synergids, 1
(d) a small central cell is present in the embryo egg, 3 antipodal cells and a secondary nucleus.
sac Megaspore mother cell (2n) gives rise to ovule.
Ans : DELHI 2007 Megasporophylls are sterile structures on which
In most of the angiosperms megaspore mother cell ovule may be present.
(2n) divides meiotically to produce 4 cells. Out of
these 3 degenerate and one remains which forms

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lemon, etc. are produced using this technique.

This technique involves inducing fruit formation
by the application of plant growth hormones such
as auxins.
Thus (d) is correct option.

33. Filiform apparatus is characteristic feature of

(a) generative cell (b) nucellar embryo
(c) aleurone cell (d) synergids
Ans : DELHI 2011
Filiform apparatus are finger-like projections
present at the microscopy end of syneragids of
embryo sac.
Fig Structure of an ovule Thus (d) is correct option.
Thus (a) is correct option. 34. In angiosperms, microsporogenesis and
megasporogenesis
30. Male gametophyte in angiosperms produces (a) occur in anther
(a) two sperms and a vegetative cell
(b) form gametes without further divisions
(b) single sperm and a vegetative cell
(c) involve meiosis
(c) single sperm and two vegetative cells
(d) occur in ovule
(d) three sperms
Ans : SQP 2012, FOREIGN 2018
Ans : FOREIGN 2013
Both event microsporogensis and megasporogenesis
Pollen grain or male gametophyte in angiosperms involve the process of meiosis which results in the
contain one generative cell. The generative cell formation of haploid gametes from the microspore
further divides meiotically to form two male or megaspore mother cells.
gametes (sperms). So, a mature male gametophyte Thus (c) is correct option.
in angiosperms contains two sperms and one
vegetative cell. 35. Coconut water from a tender coconut is
Thus (a) is correct option. (a) immature embryo
(b) free nuclear endosperm
31. The wheat grain has an embryo with one large,
shield-shaped cotyledon known as (c) innermost layers of the seed coat
(a) epiblast (b) coleorhiza (d) degenerated nucellus
(c) scutellum (d) coleoptile Ans : DELHI 2005

Ans : COMP 2018 The coconut water from tender coconut that
The grain of wheat, maize or rice is a caryopsis. we are familiar with, is nothing but free nuclear
The embryo in such grains lies laterally near endosperm (made up of thousands of nuclei)
the base of the grain. The embryo consists of an and the surrounding white kernel is the cellular
upper large, shield shaped cotyledon known as endosperm.
scutellum. The scutellum is closely pressed against In the most common type of endosperm
the endosperm and helps in the translational of development, the Primary Endosperm Nucleus
nutrients from endosperm to the growing embryo (PEN) undergoes successive nuclear divisions to
at the time of germination and seedling growth. give rise to free nuclei. This stage of endosperm
Thus (b) is correct option. development is called free-nuclear endosperm.
Thus (b) is correct option.
32. Which one of the following fruits is Parthenocarpy?
(a) Brinjal (b) Apple 36. Geitonogamy involves
(a) fertilisation of a flower by the pollen from,
(c) Jack-fruit (d) Banana
another flower of the same plant
Ans : OD 2023
(b) fertilisation of a flower by the pollen from the
Parthenocarpy is a process of developing fruits same flower
without involving fertilisation/seed formation.
Therefore, the seedless varieties of economically (c) fertilisation of a flower by the pollen from a
important fruits like orange, banana, watermelon, flower of another plant in the same population

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(d) fertilisation of a flower by the pollen from a means of a stalk called funicle.
flower of another plant belonging to a distant Each has one or two protective envelopes called
population integuments. Nucellus is a mass of cells enclosed
Ans : COMP 2009, OD 2013
with in the integuments. Ovule forms Megaspore
Geitonogamy is a type of self pollination. In other Mother Cell (MMC) by meiosis which further
word geitonogamy is transfer or pollen grain from forms megaspore.
the anther of one flower to the stigma of another Megaspore nucleus forms embryo sac. Fruits
flower of either same or genetically similar plant. develop form the ovary of flower, other floral
Thus (a) is correct option. parts degenerate and fall off.
Thus (d) is correct option.
37. Pollen tables are available in the market for
(a) in vitro fertilisation 41. Which one of the following statement is correct?
(b) breeding programmes (a) Hard outer layer of pollen is called intine
(c) supplementing food (b) Sporogenous tissue is haploid
(d) ex situ conservation (c) Endothecium produces the microspores
Ans : FOREIGN 2017 (d) Tapetum nourishes the developing pollen
Pollen grains are rich in nutrients. They are taken Ans : DELHI 2010, SQP 2006
as tablets and syrups to improve health. Pollen Tapetum is the innermost layer of microsporangium.
consumption has been claimed to enhance the It nouishes the pollen grains. The inner wall of
performance of athletes and race horses. pollen grain is called intine. Endothecium is the
Thus (c) is correct option. wall around the micospoangium, which provide
protection and help in dehiscence of anther to
38. Function of filiform apparatus is to release the pollen sporogenous tissue is diploid.
(a) recognise the suitable pollen at stigma It undergoes meiotic division to form microspore
(b) stimulate division of generative cell tetrads.
(c) produce nectar Thus (d) is correct option.
(d) guide the entry of pollen tube
42. Advantage of cleistogamy is
Ans : COMP 2015
(a) higher genetic variability
Filiform apparatus of synergids secrete some
chemotropically active substances, which direct (b) more vigorous offspring
the pollen tube towards micropyle of ovule. (c) no dependence on pollinators
Thus (d) is correct option. (d) viviparous
39. Filiform apparatus is a characteristic feature of Ans : SQP 2005
(a) egg (b) synergid In cleistogamous flowers, anthers and stigma lie
(c) zygote (d) suspensor close to each other. When anthers dehisces in the
flower buds, pollen grains come in contact with the
Ans : FOREIGN 2014
stigma to effect pollination. Thus, these flowers
The synergid cell wall forms a highly thickened produce assured seed set even in the absence of
structure called the filiform appaartus at the pollinators.
micropylar end, consisting of numerous finger- The higher genetic variability and more vigorous
like proections into the syneragid cytoplasm. It offspring are produced due to variations obtained
is believed to play a major role in pollen tube by sexual reproduction. Viviparous relates to the
guidance and reception. birth of young babies from mammals.
Thus (b) is correct option. Thus (c) is correct option.
40. Megasporangium is equivalent of 43. Both, auto-gamy and geitonogamy are prevented
(a) embryo sac (b) fruit in
(c) nucellus (d) ovule (a) papaya (b) cucumber
Ans : OD 2011 (c) castor (d) maize
Megasporangium is equivalent to an ovule. An Ans : DELHI 2012, SQP 2013, FOREIGN 2020
ovule generally has a single embryo sac formed Auto-gamy involves pollination within the same
from a megaspore through reduction division. It flower, while geitonogamy involves transfer of
is a small structure attached to the placenta by pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the

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stigma of another flower of the same plant. Both Ans : OD 2007

the processes are prevented in papaya because Nucellar polyembryony is reported in species of
it is a dioecious plant (i.e. male and female sex Citrus. Occurrence of more than one embryo in
organs are born on separate plants) and it always a seed is referred to as polyembryony. In many
needs cross-pollination. Citrus and mango varieties, some of the nucellar
Thus (a) is correct option. cells surrounding the embryo sac start dividing,
protrude into the embryo sac and develop into
44. An organic substance that can withstand the embryos.
environmental extremes and cannot be degraded Thus (d) is correct option.
by any enzyme is
(a) cuticle (b) sporopollenin 48. In which one of the following pollination is
autogamous?
(c) lignin (d) cellulose
(a) Xenogamy (b) Chasmogamy
Ans : COMP 2011, OD 2015, DELHI 2018
(c) Cleistogamy (d) Geitonogamy
Sporopollenin is a fatty substance present in the
exine of pollen grains. It is resistant to microbial Ans : DELHI 2017

and chemical decomposition and can withstand Bisexual flowers which remains always closed are
the extreme environmental conditions. Due to called cleistogamous and such condition of flowers
the presence of sporopollen, pollen grains are well is called cleistogamy. In such flowers, the anthers
preserved during fossilisation. and stigma lie close to each other. When anthers
Thus (b) is correct option. dehisces in the flowers buds, pollen grains come
in contact with stigma to affect pollination. Thus,
45. Even in absence of pollinating agents seed-setting cleistogamous flowers a invariably autogamous.
is assured in Thus (c) is correct option.
(a) Commelina (b) Zostera
49. Apomictic embryos in Citus arise from
(c) Salvia (d) Fig
(a) synergids
Ans : SQP 2013
(b) maternal sporophytic tissue in ovule
Commelina benghalensis bears aerial,
(c) antipodal cells
chasmogamous (stigma and anthers exposed to
pollinating agents), insect pollinated flowers and (d) diploid egg
underground cleistogamous flowers. Cleistogamous Ans : SQP 2005
flowers are bisexual flowers which never open, i.e. Apomictic embryos in Citrus arise from maternal
always remain closed. In such flowers the anthers sporophytic tissue (e.g. nucellus or integuments) in
and stigma lie very close to each other. When ovule. Apomixis is the formation of new individuals
anthers dehisce in the flower buds, pollen grains directly through asexual reproduction without
come in contact with the stigma of the same involving the formation and fusion of gametes.
flower, i.e. autogamy occurs. So, these flowers Thus (b) is correct option.
produce assured seed set, even it the absence of
pollinators. 50. The scutellum observed in a grain of wheat or
Thus (a) is correct option. maize is comparable to which part of the seed in
other monocotyledons?
46. Wind pollination is common in (a) Cotyledon (b) Endosperm
(a) lilies (b) grasses (c) Aleurone layer (d) Plumule
(c) orchids (d) legumes Ans : SQP 2007
Ans : COMP 2010 In wheat or maize (family-Poaceae), the scutellum
Wind pollination (anemophily) is quite common is thought to be a modified cotyledon or seed leaf.
in grasses. Anemophilous flowers are small and Thus (a) is correct option.
inconspicuous with long and versatile stamens.
Pollen grains are dry, powdery, light and non- 51. Wind pollinated flowers are
sticky, e.g. maize, wheat, sugarcane, bamboo, (a) small, brightly coloured, producing large
Pinus and papaya. number of pollen grains
Thus (b) is correct option. (b) small, producing large number of dry pollen
grains
47. Nucellar polyembryony is reported in species of (c) large, producing abundant nectar and pollen
(a) Gossypium (b) Triticum
(d) small, producing nectar and dry pollen
(c) Brassica (d) Citrus

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Ans : FOREIGN 2009

54. Endosperm is consumed by developing embryo in
Pollination taking place by means of wind is the seed of
known as anemophily, e.g. Zea mays, Cannabis (a) coconut (b) castor
Pinus, etc. Anemophilous flowers are small and
(c) pea (d) maize
produces large number of pollen grains which are
dry, powdery light and non-sticky. Ans : OD 2017
Thus (b) is correct option. Endosperm is consumed by developing embryo is
the seeds of pea (Pisum sativum). These seed are
52. Unisexuality of flowers prevents called non-endospermic seeds. Other examples are
(a) autogamy, but not geitonogamy gram, beans, orchids, etc.
(b) both geitonogamy and xenogamy Thus (c) is correct option.
(c) geitonogamy, but not xenogamy
55. Male gametes in angiosperms are formed by the
(d) autogamy and geitonogamy division of
Ans : OD 2012 (a) microspore
Unisexuality of flowers prevents autogamy, but not (b) generative cell
geitonogamy. Autogamy also called self-pollination (c) vegetative cell
involves the transfer of pollen grains of one flower
(d) microspore mother cell
to the stigma of same flower. Self-pollination
occurs only in bisexual or hermaphrodite flowers. Ans : DELHI 2019

Geitonogamy involves the transfer of pollen grains Male gametes n angiosperms are formed by the
from a male flower to stigma of female flower of division of generative cell. Before pollination the
same plant. Thus, geitonogamy operates only in pollen grain cytoplasm divides in generative cell
monoecious plants, i.e. plants having male and and vegetative cell. The generative cell divides to
female flowers on different places. form two male gametes.
Autogamy or xenogamy also known as cross- Thus (b) is correct option.
pollination involves the transfer of pollen grains of
male flower to the stigma of genetically different 56. Which one of the following is resistant to enzyme
female flower. It takes place via various agencies action?
like wind, water, insects, etc. (a) Cork (b) Wood fibre
Thus (a) is correct option. (c) Pollen exine (d) Leaf cuticle
53. Which one of the following pairs of plant structures Ans : COMP 2016
has haploid number of chromosomes? Pollen exine is resistant to enzyme action. The
(a) Megaspore mother cell and antipodal cells pollen wall is consisted of two layers, the outer
(b) Egg cell and antipodal cells exine and inner intine. The exine is chiefly made up
of sporopollenin, which is derived by the oxidative
(c) Nucellus and antipodal cells
polymerisation of carotenoids. Sporopollenin
(d) Egg nucellus and secondary nucleus is one of the most resistant biological materials
Ans : DELHI 2012, SQP 2013, FOREIGN 2015, COMP 2016 known. Exine is thin in beginning but become
Egg cell and antipodal cells have haploid number very thick with maturity.
of chromosomes. In angiosperms a single diploid Thus (c) is correct option.
megaspore mother cell matures within an ovule.
Through meiosis it gives rise to four megaspore 57. Which one of the following is surrounded by a
(haploid). In most plants only one of these callose wall?
megaspore survive. This functional megaspore (a) Microspore mother cell (b) Male gamete
divides three times by mitosis and produces eight (c) Egg (d) Pollen grain
haploid nuclei enclosed within a 7-celled embryo Ans : SQP 2020
sac. One nucleus is located near the opening of The wall of the pollen mother cell (microspore
embryo sac in egg cell. mother cell) is deposited by callose ( -1, 3-glucan).
Two nuclei are located in a single cell in the Callose plays a significant role in reproductive
middle of embryo sac and are called polar nuclei, biology of angiosperms. It acts as a temporary
two nuclei are contained in cells called synergids wall to prevent the product of meiosis from
that flank the egg cell and other three nuclei are cohesion and fusion and its dissolution results in
resided in the cells called antipodals, located at the release of free spores.
the end of embryo sac opposite the egg cell. Thus (a) is correct option.
Thus (b) is correct option.

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58. The arrangement of the nuclei in a normal embryo 61. In a type of apomixis known as adventively
sac in the dicot plants is embryony, embryos develop directly from the
(a) 3 + 2 + 3 (b) 2 + 3 + 3 (a) nucellus or integuments
(c) 3 + 3 + 2 (d) 2 + 4 + 2 (b) zygote
Ans : FOREIGN 2021 (c) synergids or antipodals in an embryo sac
In angiosperms (dicots), the Polygonum type of (d) accessory embryo sac in the ovule
embryo sac is most common. In this embryo sac, Ans : OD 2005
the arrangement of the nuclei is 3 + 2 + 3, i.e. 3 Apomixis does not involve gamete formation and
in antipodal cells, 2 as polar nuclei (which later fertilisation as found in amphimixis. Adventively
fuse and form a diploid secondary nucleus) and 3 embryo formation is a type of apomixis in which
in egg apparatus (2 in synergids and 1 in egg cell). embryos are formed from diploid integumental or
Thus (a) is correct option. nucellus cells.
59. What would be the number of chromosomes in Thus (a) is correct option.
the cells of the aleuron layer in a plant species 62. Through which cell of the embryo sac, does the
with 8 chromosomes in its synergids? pollen tube enter the embryo sac
(a) 24 (b) 32 (a) egg cell
(c) 8 (d) 16 (b) persistant synergids
Ans : COMP 2022
(c) degenerated synergids
Synergids are two, short-lived, haploid cells (d) central cell
lying close to the egg in mature embryo sac of
Ans : DELHI 2009, SQP 2008
flowering plant ovule. While the endosperm is a
tripled tissue formed after triple fusion. Thus, if Egg apparatus is present towards the micropylar
the synergids have 8 chromosomes, the aleuron end of an ovule. Egg apparatus has two lateral
layer (part of endosperm) will have just triple synergids cells and one centrally located egg cell.
of that of chromosomes in the synergids, i.e. 24 During entry of pollen tube within the ovule
chromosomes. synergids cells become disintegrate and provide
Thus (a) is correct option. path for entry of pollen tube within the chamber
of embryo sac.
60. Which one of the following represents an ovule, Thus (c) is correct option.
where the embryo sac becomes horse shoe-shaped
and the funiculars and microscopy are close to 63. In angiosperms pollen tubes liberate their male
each other? gametes into the
(a) Amphitropous (b) Circinotropous (a) centre cell (b) antipodal cell
(c) Atrocious (d) Anatropous (c) egg cell (d) synergids
Ans : OD 2013 Ans : SQP 2016

In an amphitropous ovule, the embryo sac The contents of the pollen tube are discharged in
becomes horse-shoe shaped and the funiculars the synergids from where the first male gamete
and micropylar are close to each other. This type is transferred to the egg cell, while the other
of ovule is found in Alismaceae, Butomaceae male gamete moves to the central cell through
families. cytoplasmic current.
Thus (d) is correct option.

64. An ovule which becomes curved so that the

nucellus and embryo sac lie at right angles to the
funicle is
(a) hemitropous (b) campylotropous
(c) anatropous (d) orthotropous
Ans : FOREIGN 2012, COMP 2011

In hemitrupous type, the ovule becomes curved

and nucellus and embryo sac lie at right angles to
Fig Amphitropous ovule
the funicle, e.g. Ranunculaceae and Primulaceae.
Thus (a) is correct option.

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

Ans : COMP 2019

The deposition of callose starts in pollen mother

cell as it enters meiosis and is complete by the end
of first meiotic division. By the time tetrad are
formed, the common callose wall dissolves, even
then all the four microspores lie within a common
callose wall.
Thus (b) is correct option.

69. Adventively embryony in Citrus is due to

Thus (a) is correct option. (a) nucellus (b) integuments
(c) zygotic embryo (d) fertilised egg
65. In a flowering plant, archesporium gives rise to
(a) only tape-tum and sporogenous cells Ans : SQP 2005

(b) only the wall of the sporangium Nucellus embryony occurs in crassinucellate
(c) both wall and the sporogenous cells ovules (e.g. Citrus, Opuntia). On the other hand
integumentary embryony occurs in tenuniucellate
(d) wall and the tape-tum
ovules (e.g. Euonymus).
Ans : OD 2010 Thus (a) is correct option.
The archesporial cells divide periclinally, cutting
off primary parietal layer (forming wall later on) 70. Anemophily type of pollination is found in
towards the outer side and primary sporogenous (a) Salvia (b) bottle brush
cells towards the inner side. The cells of the primary (c) Vallisneria (d) coconut
parietal layes divide by successive periclinal and Ans : OD 2005
anticlinal division to form concentric layers of Pollination through air is known as anemophily
pollen sac wall. e.g. coconut.
Thus (c) is correct option. In Salvia, the pollination is taken place by insects
66. Which type of association is found in between (entomophily).In Vallisneria, the pollination
entomophilous flower and pollinating agent? occurs through water (hydrophily).
(a) Mutualism (b) Commercialism In bottle brush (Callistemon) the pollination
occurs through birds (ornithophily).
(c) Cooperation (d) Co-evolution
Thus (d) is correct option.
Ans : DELHI 2012

A plant and its pollinator have a mutualistic 71. Eight nucleate embryo sacs are
relationship. The plant uses its pollinator to (a) always tetrasporic
ensure cross-pollination while pollinator uses the (b) always monosporic
plant as food. (c) always bisporic
Thus (a) is correct option. (d) sometimes monosporic, sometimes bisporic
and sometimes tetrasporic
67. What is the direction of micropylar in anatropous
ovule? Ans : DELHI 2006

(a) Upward (b) Downward Megaspore is a haploid structure which divides

(c) Right (d) Left and gives rise to embryo sac which is also called
as female gametophyte.
Ans : FOREIGN 2017
Eight-nucleate embryo sacs may be monosporic
Body of the anaptropus ovule gets inverted and (e.g. Polygonum) or bisporic (e.g. Allium) or
micropyle is on lower side (downward). Further tetrasporic (e.g. Adoxa).
micropyle and funiculars lie side by side and Thus (d) is correct option.
micropyle is close to hilum.
Thus (b) is correct option. 72. Double fertilisation leading to initiation of
endosperm in angiosperms require
68. In angiosperms all the four microspores of tetrad (a) fusion of one polar nucleus and the second
are covered by a layer which is formed by male gamete only
(a) pectocellulose (b) callose
(b) fusion of two polar nuclei and the second male
(c) cellulose (d) sporopollenin gamete.

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(c) fusion of four or more polar nuclei and the 76. In an angiosperm, how many microspore mother
second male gamete only cells are required to produce 100 pollen grains?
(d) all of the above kinds of fusion in different (a) 25 (b) 50
angiosperms (c) 75 (d) 100
Ans : OD 2005 Ans : OD 2011

In angiosperms the endosperm is a special tissue In angiosperms, each Microspore Mother Cell
which is formed as a result of triple fusion. In (MMC) undergoes meiosis to produce four
triple fusion the second male gamete fuses with microspores which develop into pollen grains.
secondary nucleus (diploid nucleus formed by Thus to produce 100 pollen grains, 25 micropore
fusion of two polar nuclei) to form tripled primary mother cells are required.
endosperm nucleus. Thus (a) is correct option.
Thus (b) is correct option.
77. Fertilisation involving carrying of male gametes
73. Flowers showing ornithophily show few by pollen tube is
characteristic like (a) porogamy (b) siphonogamy
(a) blue flower with nectaries at base of corolla. (c) chalazogamy (d) syngonogamy
(b) red sweet scented flower with nectaries. Ans : DELHI 2017
(c) bright red flower into thick inflorescence. In angiosperms, the male gametes are carried by
(d) white flowers with fragrance. the pollen tube and such type of fertilisation or
Ans : SQP 2011 fusion of male and female gametes or syngamy
Ornithophily is an allogamy performed by birds, is called siphonogamy. It was discovered by
such as long beaked small birds (sun birds, Strasburger (1884).
humming birds), crow, parrot, bulbul, etc. Thus (b) is correct option.
Ornithophoilous flowers are large and showy cup- 78. Chief pollinators of agricultural crops are
shaped with abundant nectar or edible part, e.g. (a) butterflies (b) bees
Bombay, Agave, etc.
(c) moths (d) beetles
Thus (b) is correct option.
Ans : SQP 2018
74. How many pollen grains will be formed after Bees are considered the most common pollinators
meiotic division in 10 microspores mother cells? which pollinate about 80% of the total insect
(a) 10 (b) 20 pollinated flowers.
(c) 40 (d) 80 Thus (b) is correct option.
Ans : FOREIGN 2013
79. Ovule is straight with funiculus, embryo sac,
One microspores mother cell form four pollen chalaza and micropyle lying on one straight line.
grains after meiotic division, so, 10 microspores It is
mother cells will form 40 pollen grains through (a) orthotropous (b) anatropous
dividing meiotically.
(c) campylotopous (d) amphitropous
Thus (c) is correct option.
Ans : FOREIGN 2017
75. In angiosperms, triple fusion is required for the Orthotropous or atropous is the erect ovule
formation of in which the body of ovule lies straight and
(a) embryo (b) endosperm upright over the funicle. Hilum, chalaza and
(c) seed coat (d) fruit wall micropyle occur on one straight line, e.g. family-
Ans : COMP 2007 Polygonaceae and Piperaceae.
In angiosperms, triple fusion is required for the Thus (a) is correct option.
formation of endosperm. Triple fusion refers to the 80. Double fertilisation and triple fusion were
vegetative fertilisation, i.e. the fusion of nucleus discovered by
of a male gamete with the two polar nuclei or (a) Hofmeister
the diploid secondary (fusion) nucleus. Triple
fusion converts central cell into triploidy primary (b) Nawaschin and Guignard
endosperm cell which forms the endosperm, a (c) Leeuwenhoek
nutritive tissue. (d) Strasburger
Thus (b) is correct option.

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Ans : 84. Point out the odd one

Double fertilisation was discovered by Nawaschin (a) nucellus (b) embryo sac
(1898) in Fritilaria and Lilium. It wat confirmed (c) micropyle (d) pollen grain
by Guignard (1899). Syngamy (one male gamete
Ans : OD 2009
fuse with egg cell to form zygote) and triple
fusion (second male gamete fuses nucleus to with Nucellus is the parenchymatous nutritive tissue
two polar nuclei or secondary nucleus to from of ovule, micropyle is the pore present in the
triploidy primary endosperm nucleus occurs integuments at one end of ovule and embryo
simultaneously in angiosperms and this is called sac represents the female gametophyte. Thus,
double fertilisation). nucellus, micropyly and embryo sac are part of
Thus (b) is correct option. ovule, whereas, pollen grain/microspore represents
the immature male gametophyte.
81. Study of formation, growth and development of Thus (d) is correct option.
new individual from an egg is
(a) apomixis (b) embryology 85. Embryo sac occurs in
(c) embryogeny (d) cytology (a) embryo
(b) axis part of embryo
Ans : OD 2009
(c) ovule
Embryology (Gr. en-in; bryo-swell; logos-study) is
the study of formation growth and development (d) endosperm
of embryo. It includes sporogenesis, fertilisation Ans : DELHI 2007
and embryogeny, i.e. the overall process starting Embryo bsac occurs in ovule. Megaspore mother
from formation of gametes, fertilisation, zygote cell is developed inside the nucellus of the
and embryo formation and development of new ovule and by a meiotic division it forms four
individual. megaspores, out of which three degenearte. The
Thus (b) is correct option. functional megaspore divides mitotically to form
embryo sac.
82. Meiosis is best observed in dividing Thus (c) is correct option.
(a) cells of apical meristem
(b) cells of lateral meristem 86. Pollination occurs in
(c) microspores and anther wall (a) bryophytes and angiosperms
(d) microsporocytes (b) pteridophytes and angiosperms
Ans : DELHI 2010, SQP 2015
(c) angiosperms and gymnosperms
Microsporocytes or microspore mother cells are (d) angiosperms and fungi
diploid cells formed from sporgenous cells in Ans : SQP 2011
the anther. The pollen/microspore mother cells Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from
undergo meiosis and form tetrads of microspores anther to stigma of same or different flower.
or pollen grains. The wall of pollen mother cell It is a characteristic features of higher plants
degenerates and pollen or microspores separate. i.e. angiosperm and but also found in few
Thus (d) is correct option. gymnosperms.
Thus (c) is correct option.
83. Double fertilisation is fusion of
(a) two eggs 87. Female gametophyte of angiosperms is represented
(b) two eggs and polar nuclei with pollen nuclei by
(c) one male gamete with egg and other with (a) ovule
synergid (b) megaspore mother cell
(d) one male gamete with egg and other with (c) embryo sac
secondary nucleus (d) nucellus
Ans : FOREIGN 2012, COMP 2017 Ans : COMP 2005
Double fertilisation deals with the fusion of one In angiosperms, female gametophyte is represented
male gamete with egg to form zygote and the by embryo sac. Embryo sac is produced by the
other male gamete with secondary nucleus to functional megaspore formed through meiosis of
form Primary Endosperm Nucleus (PEN). megaspore mother cell in ovule. The common type
Thus (d) is correct option. of embryo sac is monosporic Polygonum type, it

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is 7-celled and 8-nucleate structure covered by a (c) apomictic haploid

thin membrane formed of megaspore wall. (d) apomictic diploid
Thus (c) is correct option.
Ans : OD 2019

88. Entry of pollen tube through micropyle is Nucellus embryo is apomictic haploid. Nucellus
(a) chalazogamy (b) mesogamy is a parenchymatous, haploid nutritive tissue of
(c) porogamy (d) pseudogamy the ovule of phanerogams. The phenomenon of
formation of embryo or new individual directly
Ans : FOREIGN 2015
through asexual reproduction or adventitiously
Porogamy ferers to the most common method by from a cell other than egg, i.e. nucellus,
which the pollen tube enters the ovule through integuments, etc., is known as apomixis. Nucellus
micropyle, e.g. lily. When pollen tube enters embryo is thus, known as apomictic embryo.
through chalaza, it is known as chalazogamy and Thus (c) is correct option.
when it enters laterally through integumets, then
such process is known as mesogamy. 92. Formation of gametophyte directly from
Thus (c) is correct option. sporophyte without meiosis is
(a) apospory (b) apogamy
89. Male gametophyte of angiosperms/monocots is
(c) parthenogenesis (d) amphimixis
(a) microsporangium (b) nucellus
Ans : DELHI 2020
(c) microspore (d) stamen
Apospory is the formation of gametophyte
Ans : COMP 2018
directly from sporophyte without forming spores
Microspore or pollen grain is an immature male and meiosis. The gametophytes formed through
gametophyte and thus, represents the first cell apospory are usually diploid. Apospory leads to
of gametophytic generation in angiosperms. polyploidy and hence, new species in bryophytes
Microspores are generally rounded, small and pteridophytes.
uninucleate haploid cells produced as a result Thus (a) is correct option.
of meiosis in microspore mother cell inside the
microsporangia. The process of formation of 93. Total number of meiotic divisions required for
microspore inside the pollen sacs of anthers is forming 100 zygotes/100 grains of wheat are
known as microsporogenesis. (a) 100 (b) 75
Thus (c) is correct option. (c) 125 (d) 50
90. Generative cell was destroyed by laser but a Ans :
normal pollen tube was still formed because Total number of meiotic divisions required for
(a) vegetative cell is not damaged forming 100 zygote/100 grains of wheat are 125.
(b) contents of killed generative cell stimulate Zygote is the fusion product of pollen grains and
pollen growth egg. 100 zygotes require 100 pollen grains and 100
embryo sacs. 100 pollen grains are produced from
(c) laser beam stimulates growth of pollen tube
25 microspore mother cells while 100 embryo sacs
(d) the region of emergence of pollen tube is not are formed from 100 functional megaspore which
harmed as a result being produced by 100 megaspore
Ans : Delhi 2005 mother cells, since three, out of four megaspore
Pollen grain or microspore divides mitotically degenerate in each case.
forming a larger tube or vegetative cell and a Thus (c) is correct option.
small generative cell. Since, vegetative cell gives
rise to pollen tube and generative cell divides to 94. Male gametophyte of angiosperms is shed as
form two male gametes, thus if a generative cell (a) four-celled pollen grain
is destroyed by laser, a normal pollen tube will (b) three-celled pollen grain
still form through the vegetative cell which is (c) microspore mother cell
undestroyed. (d) anther
Thus (a) is correct option.
Ans : OD 2005

91. Nucellus embryo is In angiosperms, pollen grains are generally

(a) amphimictic haploid shed from the anther at 2-celled stage, i.e. one
(b) amphimictic diploid generative cell and one vegetative cell. But, in
some angiosperms, the generative cell divides

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prior to the dehiscence of anther and shed at 97. Assertion : Insects visit flower to gather honey.
3-celled stage, i.e. one vegetative cell and two Reason : Attraction of flowers prevents the insects
male gametes. Double fertilisation was discovered from damaging other parts of the plant.
by Nawaschin (1898) in Fritillaria and Lilium. It (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and
was confirmed by Guignard (1899). Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Thus (b) is correct option. (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but
Reason is not the correct explanation of
95. Number of meiotic divisions required to produce
Assertion.
200/400 seeds of pea would be
(a) 200/400 (b) 400/800 (c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is
incorrect.
(c) 300/600 (d) 250/500
(d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans : COMP 2007
Ans :
200 seeds of pea would be produced from 200
Honey bee visit flowers to gather nectar and turn
pollen grains and 200 embryo sacs. 200 pollen
it into honey. Visiting of insects for nectar helps
grains will be formed by 50 microspore mother
in pollination.
cells, while 200 embryo sacs will be formed by
Thus (d) is correct option.
200 megaspore mother cells. Similarly 400 seeds
of pea would be produced from 400 pollen grains 98. Assertion : Pollen mother cells (PMCs) are the
and 400 embryo sacs. 400 pollen grains will be first male gametophytic cells.
formed by 100 Microspore Mother Cell (MMC) Reason : Each PMC gives rise to two pollens.
and 400 embryo sacs fromed by 400 Megaspore (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and
Mother Cell (MMC). Thus, number of meiotic Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
divisions required to produce 200/400 seeds would
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but
be 250/500.
Reason is not the correct explanation of
Thus (d) is correct option.
Assertion.
(c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is
incorrect.
ASSERTION AND REASON (d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Ans : .
DDIRECDION : Rach of these questions contains as Primary sporogenous cell gives rise to microspore
Assertion following by Ieason. Iead them carefully and mother cells or pollen mother cells (PMCs). They
answer the question on the basis of following options. are sporophytic in nature i.e., diploid. These cells
You have to select the one that best describes the two undergo meiosis (reduction division) which gives
statements. rise to 4 microspores of pollens and this formation
of microspores or pollens is called microsporo-
96. Assertion : If pollen mother cells has 42 genesis. Microspores represent the beginning of
chromosomes, the pollen has only 21 chromosomes. the gametophytic phase and they are haploid in
Reason : Pollens are formed after meiosis in pollen nature.
mother cell. Thus (d) is correct option.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. 99. Assertion : Chasmogamous flowers require
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but pollinating agents.
Reason is not the correct explanation of Reason : Cleistogamous flowers do not expose
Assertion. their sex organs.
(c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is (a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and
incorrect. Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect. (b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but
Reason is not the correct explanation of
Ans : Assertion.
Pollen mother cells undergo meiosis and produce (c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is
pollen grains. The pollen grains have haploid incorrect.
number of chromosomes.
(d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Thus (a) is correct option.

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Ans : VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

The majority of angiosperms bear chasmogamous
flowers, which means the flowers expose their
mature anthers and stigma to the pollinating 102. An anther with malfunctioning tapetum often
agents. There is another group of plants which fails to produce viable male gametophytes. Give
set seeds without exposing their sex organs. any one reason.
Such flowers are called cleistogamous and the Ans : DELHI 2013
phenomenon is cleistogamy. An anther with malfunctioning tapetum often
Thus (b) is correct option. fails to produce viable male gametophytes due to
lack of nutrients.
100. Assertion : Double fertilization is characteristic
feature of angiospersms. 103. Give an example of a plant which came into India
Reason : Double fertilization involves two fusions. as a contaminant and is a cause of pollen allergy.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Ans : OD 2014
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. Pollen grains of Parthenium came into India as
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but a alignment contaminant and is a cause of pollen
Reason is not the correct explanation of allergy.
Assertion.
104. Which is triploid tissue in a fertilised ovule?
(c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is
incorrect. Ans : SQP 2012
Primary Endosperm Cell (PEE) is the triploid cell
(d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
which gives rise to endosperm, a triploid tissue in
Ans : a fertilised ovule.
Double fertilization is a characteristic feature of
angiosperms. It involves two fusions in which one 105. Why do we call embryo sac monosporic?
female gametes fuse with egg cell to form zygote Ans : OD 2019
and other male gamete fuses with the diploid An embryo sac is called monosporic because it
secondary nucleus to produce triploid primary develops from one of the four megaspores formed
endosperm nucleus. from the division of megaspore mother cell.
Thus (b) is correct option.
106. Name the largest cell of the embryo sac.
101. Assertion : Endosperm is a nutritive tissue and it Ans : FOREIGN 2011
is triploid. Central cell is the largest cell of the embryo sac.
Reason : Endosperm is formed by fusion of
secondary nucleus to second male gamete. It is 107. Mention the reason of difference in ploidy of
used by developing embryo. zygote.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Ans : COMP 2009
Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion. Zygote (2n) is formed by the fusion of one male
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but gamete (n) and an egg cell (n). Therefore, its
Reason is not the correct explanation of ploidy level is different from the other cells of the
Assertion. embryo sac.
(c) The Assertion is correct but Reason is
108. Name the homologous structures of embryos of a
incorrect.
typical dicot embryo and a grass embryo.
(d) Both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect. Ans : OD 2007
Ans : Cotyledons of a typical dicot embryo and scutellum
Male gamete (n) + secondary nucleus (2n) = of a grass embryo are homologous structures.
primary endosperm nucleus which develops into
endosperm (3n) Endosperm is the reserve food 109. Name two plants where remnants of nucellus can
used by developing embryo. be found in seeds.
Thus (a) is correct option. Ans : DELHI 2012
In black pepper and beet, remnants of nucellus
are found in seeds.

110. What is seed dormancy? What is its significance?

Ans : SQP 2018
The state of temporary inactivity of embryo is

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

known as seed dormancy. It helps the seeds to 116. Name the parts of pistil which develop into fruits
survive in unfavourable conditions and germinate and seeds.
in suitable conditions. Ans : DELHI 2011
The parts of pistil which develop into fruits and
111. Name the part of the flower which the tassels of seed are ovary and ovules, respectively.
corn cob represent.
Ans : OD 2014 117. Why is apple called a false fruit? Which part(s) of
Tassels are stigma and style (parts of gynoecium) the flower forms the fruit?
of corn flowers. Ans : SQP 2010
Apple is called a false fruit because it develops
112. Identify A in the figure showing a stage of embryo from the thalamus instead of ovary (thalamus is
development in a dicot plant and mention its the enlarged structure at the base of the flower).
function.
118. Which layer of microsporangial wall helps in the
formation of sporopollenin?
Ans :
Tapetal cells of microsporangial wall help in the
formation of sporopollenin.

119. What is the position of plumule in monocot

embryo?
Ans : COMP 2006
Lateral
Ans : All India 2016
120. Write down the ploidy of the cell of microspore
A is cotyledon. It is the storehouse of food. tetrad.
113. Give the name of the common functions that Ans : OD 2020

cotyledons and nucellus perform. Cells of microspore tetrad are formed by meiosis.
Therefore, they are haploid (n) in nature.
Ans : COMP 2019
The common functions of cotyledons and nucellus 121. Give the name of any two non-albuminuous seeds.
are
Ans : DELHI 2013
1. storage of reserve food material. Pea and groundnut.
2. nourishment of embryo and embryo sac,
respectively 122. Name the seeds that have retained their viability
for thousands of years.
114. Mention any one significance of fruit formation. Ans : SQP 2014
Ans : FOREIGN 2005 Lupinus arcticus (lupine; 10000 years) and
Fruits protect the seed from mechanical injury. Phoenix dactylifera (date palm; 2000 years).
115. Given below is a section of maize grain. Identify
A and state its function.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

123. Define and give one example of each of the

following:
1. True fruit
2. Parthenogenic fruits
3. Polyembryony
Ans : OD 2018

1. True fruit A true fruit develops from a

ripened ovary. Such fruits have regions outer
Ans : OD 2016 epicarp, middle mesocarp and innermost
A is endosperm. It provides nutrition to the endocarp. e.g. mango, tomato etc.
developing embryo

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2. Parthenogenic fruits These fruits develops benefits.

from unfertilised flower eg. Banana, grapes Ans : OD 2013
etc. The condition in which the male reproductive
3. Polyembryony The production of two or organs (Stamens) of a flower mature before the
more embryos in one seed, either due to female ones (carples), thereby ensuring that
existence and fertilisation of more than self-fertilization does not occur. Examples of
one embryonic sac or due to origination of protandrous flowers are ivy and rosebay will
embryos outside of the embryonic sac, is willowherb. E.g. marigold, maize, cotton etc.
termed as polyembryony. e.g. citrus plants. 129. Write adaptations in wind pollinated flowers.
124. Define Ovule. Ans : SQP 2005

Ans : FOREIGN 2005

The main adaptation of wind pollinated plants
An ovule is an integumented megasporangium are :
within which the meiosis and megaspore 1. The flowers are small and in conspicuous,
formation takes place. Ovule develops into a lacks fragrance and nectar.
seed after fertilization. A mature ovule contains 2. They are not with attractive colours.
nucellus, integuments and funiculus through 3. The perianth lobes are reduced.
which it adheres to the placenta. Integuments
4. The pollen grains are smooth, light and dry.
cover an opening called micropyle, which is the
site of entry of pollen tube during fertilisation. 5. Usually bears unisexual flowers.
The region opposite to micropylar pole is called 6. The male flowers possess long filament so as
chalaza. to expose the anther to wind.
7. Anthers are versatile so that it swings in air.
125. What do you understand by polyembryony ?
8. The female flowers are large possess entire
Ans : OD 2014
stigmatic surface receptive.
Polyembryony is a condition in which two or
more embryos develop from a single fertilized 130. Write two major functions each of testis and
egg. Such embryos are identical to one another ovary.
but genetically different from the parents. It is Ans : OD 2005
found in both plants as well as animals. It was The testicles are the primary male reproductive
first observed by Leeuwenhoek in citrus (orange) organs. They have two, very important functions
plant. It can be natural, spontaneous or can be in the male reproductive system: they produce
artificially induced. gametes,or sperm, and they secrete hormones,
In case of humans, polyembryony results in primarily testosterone. Testrosterone control how
identical twins. the male reproductive system grows, and the
126. Write about false fruit with examples.
as beards and a deep voice. They also influence
Ans : OD 2013
sexual functions.
A false fruit or pseudocarp is a fruit derived from
The ovaries are the primary female
the floral parts other than ovary such as peduncle
reproductive organs. The ovaries have two
in cashew-nut, thalamus in apple, pear, gourd and
main reproductive functions in the body. They
cucumber; fused perianth in mulbery and calyx
produce oocytes (eggs) for fertillisation and they
in Dillenia. False fruits are also called spurious or
produce the reproductive hormones, oestrogen
accessory fruits.
and progesterone. The function of the ovaries is
127. Define Monocarpic fruits with examples. controlled by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone
released from nerve cells in the hypothalamus
Ans : OD 2013
which send their messages to the pituitary gland
Monocarpic plants flower only once in their life.
to produce luteinising hormone and follicle
These plants are generally annual or biennial. Very
simulating hormone.
few monocarpic fruits are perennial. Monocarpic
plants dies after flowering and fruiting. Examples; 131. Differentiate between micro-sporongenesis and
Rice, Wheat, Radish, Carrot, Bamboo, etc. megasporogenesis. Which type of cell division
occurs during these events? Name the structures
128. What do you mean by protandry? Write its
formed at the end of these two events.

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Ans : SQP 2010

Difference between Micro-sporogenesis and
Megasporogenesis ara as follows :

Microsporogenesis Megasporogenesis
1. It is the process 1. It is the process of
of formation of formation of the
microspores from a megaspores from the
pollen mother cell megaspore mother cell.
by meiosis.
2. The microspore 2. The embryo
formed are sac is formed
arranged in a inside the ovule/
microspore tetrad. megasporangium. It
develops form a single
megaspore.
3. Microspore 3. Megaspore forms
develops into female gametophyte.
pollen grains.
4. Microsporogenesis 4. Megasporogenesis Fig Longitudinal section of an anatropous ovule
occurs in the cells ocures in the with the two integuments and micropyle.
of anther called megaspore mother cell
sporogenous cells. in nucellar region.
133. What do you mean by monosporic development of
1. Microsporogenesis: The sporogenous cells, in female gametophyte ?
developing anther undergo meiotic division.
Ans : COMP 2013
From MMC microspores are formed by
The functional megaspore divides thrice
meiosis. Pollen grains are formed. mitotically to form eight nuclei. This enlarged
2. Megasporogenesis: MMC undergoes meiosis. megaspore is called embryo sac or female
Megaspore develops into embryo sac. Nucleus gametophyte. These eight nuclei of embryo sac
of functional megaspore divides mitotically to undergo rearrangement with three nuclei at
form 2 nucleate embryo sac. Mitotic divisions micropylar end, three at chalazal end and two in
make it 8 nucleate. The mitotic divisions are the centre, called polar nuclei. Three nuclei at
free nuclear. micropylar end organise into two synergids and
one egg-cell. Three nuclei at chalzal ends form
antipodal cells. The two polar nuclei fuse to form
diploid secondary nucleus (definitive nucleus).
Thus, the female gametophyte in angiosperms is
called embryo sac which is formed in the ovule
or megasporagium. The mature embryo sac has
seven cells in all.
P. Maheswari (1950) explained three types of
132. With a neat labelled diagram, describe the parts
female gametophytes:
of a typical angiosperm ovule.
1. Monosporic, 2. Bisporic and 3. Tetra sporic.
Ans : SQP 2015
This division is based upon the number of
The ovule is called megasporangium. It is a megaspore nuclei which take part in development.
small structure attached to placenta by a stalk The development described above is of monosporic
named funicle. At hilum, the body of ovule is type. It is known as polygonum type.
fused to funicle. Each ovule possesses one or
two integuments which enclose ovule except the
micropyle. Chalaza is the basal part of an ovule. 134. With a neat labelled diagram, explain the 7 celled,
The nucleus encloses a mass of cells. Embryo sac 8 nucleate nature of the female gametophyte.
is 7 celled but 8 nucleate lies in the ovule. It is
called female gametophyte.

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Ans : FOREIGN 2015

3. Cleistogamy: Cleistogamous flowers do not
open and are bisexual and small e.g., Oxalis,
Arachis, Viola (common pansy). The anthers
mature as well as burst to release pollen
grains.

137. What is self incompatibility? Why does self-

pollination not lead to seed formation in self-
incompatible species?
Ans : FOREIGN 2009
Incompatibility: inadility of
certain gametes even from genetically similar plant

as intraspecific incompatibility, or self-sterility or

self-incompatibility. It occurs due to prevention of
some physiological or morphological mechanisms.
It involves many complex mechanisms related with
Fig The embryo sac contains an egg, two interactions of pollen and stigmatic tissues. The
synergids, three antipodal cells and two polar sporophytic imcompatibility is due to the genotype
nuclei. of the sporophytic incompatibility is due to the
genotype of the sporophytic stigmatic tissues.
Mature Female Gametophyte: At 8 nucleate Gemetophytic imcompatibility occurs due to
stage of embryo sac, the cell walls are laid down. genotype of the pollen. Reasons for incompatibility
Six of 8 nuclei are surrounded by cell walls and are prevention of pollen germination, retardation
organized into the cells. The remaining 2 nuclei in of growth and deorientation of pollen tube. It
the centre of emrbyo sac are polar nuclei. They lie may even take place due to failure of nuclear
below egg apparatus in the big central cell. Three fusion. It is controlled by genes with multiple
cells at micropylar end form egg apparatus. It has alleles (S-allele). Mostly it may develop with the
2 synergids and one egg cell. Three other cells at maturation of stigma (Noll 1902).
chalzal end form antipodals. The big central cell
has 2 nuclei. So mature 8 nucleate embryo sac is 138. What is bagging technique ? How is it useful in a
7 celled. plant breeding programme ?
Ans : OD 2013
135. What are chasmogamous flowers? Can cross- Bagging: The emasculated flowers are covered by
pollination occur in cleistogamous flowers? Give a bag, made of butter paper. It is done to prevent
reasons for your answer. contamination of the stigma with other pollens.
Ans : OD 2008 By this technique pollination is brought about by
Chasmogamous Flowers: These have anthers the use of desired pollen grains.
and stigma very similar to other flowers. The
cleistogamous flowers do not open at all. These are 139. What is triple fusion? Where and how does it take
autogamous flowers and in these cross pollination place? Name the nuclei involved in triple fusion.
does not occur. In them the anther dehisces in Ans : OD 2015
flowers buds and pollens come in contact with In the embryo sac, one of the two male nuclei
stigma there. fuses with the egg nucleus and forms a diploid
zygote. This process is called syngamy, while the
136. Mention two stragegies evolved to prevent self- other male nucleus fuses with the two polar nuclei
pollination in flowers. (or secondary diploid nucleus) and gives rise to a
Ans : SQP 2010 triploidy nucleus called the primary endosperm
Contrivances of self pollination: nucleus. This process of nuclear fusion is known as
1. Hermaphroditism (Bisexuality): Self- Triple fusion. The product of primary endosperm
pollination occurs only in bisexual flowers or nucleus is endosperm.
the complete flowers.
140. What do you think the zygote is dormant for
2. Homogamy: Both sex organs of a plant must
sometime in a fertilized ovule ?
mature at the same time e.g., potato and
sunflower.

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Ans : SQP 2012

The zygote develops into an embryo. The zygote is Integument Testa
dormant for sometime in a fertilized ovule because 2. Integument 2. It provides
mostly zygote divides only after some amount of is protective protection to the
endosperm is formed. This is for assured nutrition in function. young embryo.
to the developing embryo. Integuments
encircle ovule
141. Differentiate between Hypocotyl and Epicotyl except at tip.
Ans : COMP 2005
Difference between Hypocotyl and Epicotyl are 144. Differentiate between Perisperm and Pericarp
as follows :
Ans : COMP 2009
Hypocotyl Epicotyl Difference between Perisperm and Pericarp are as
1. This is the 1. This is a part follows :
cylindrical part of of embryo lying
Perisperm Pericarp
embryo lying below above cotyledon
cotyledon stalk. stalk. 1. Wall of ovary 1. It is the remnant
develops into the of nucellus.
2. Its tip is radicle or 2. Its tip is plumule
wall of fruit called
root tip. or stem tip.
the pericarp.
3. It terminates at its 3. It has a shoot
2. In mango, 2. It is residual and
lower end in root apex and a few
pericarp is three persistent nucellus.
tip, covered by root feaf primordia.
layered-epicarp, Remnants of
cap.
mesocarp and nucellus are
endocarp. observed in beet
142. Differentiate between Coleptile and Coleorrhiza and black peeper.
Ans : DELHI 2005
Difference between Coleoptile and Coleorhiza are 145. Why is the apple called a false fruit? Which
as follows: part(s) of the flower forms the fruit?
Coleoptile Coleorhiza Ans : FOREIGN 2011, COMP 2015

1. This is a 1. This is a protective The fruits developed from other non-essential

protective covering covering of radicle. parts of the flower (such as sepals, petals, thalamus
of the plumule. false fruit Pseudocarpic
fruits Example: Apple (Thalamus is edible).
2. Epicotyl has shoot 2. Embryonal axis
apex and a few has a radicle and 146. What is meant by emasculation ? When and why
leaf primordia root tip enclosed does a plant breeder employ this technique ?
enclosed in a in a sheath called, Ans : COMP 2013
hollow foliar coleorhiza. Emasculation is defined the removal of anthers
structure, called from the flower bud before anther It is
as coleoptile. done by the help of a forecep.
It is done for artificial hybridization in plants.
143. Differentiate between Integument and Testa It is an approach for crop improvement by plant
Ans : FOREIGN 2017 breeders. The superior varieties are produced by
Difference between Integument and Testa are as it. For crossing experiments, only desired pollens
follows : are used of pollination. The stigma is protected
from unwanted pollen or from the contamination.
Integument Testa
147. Explain the role of tapetum in formation pollen-
1. There are 2 1. The integument grain wall.
integuments of of ovule hardens
Ans : OD 2007, DELHI 2010, SQP 2005
ovule. to form the testa
The cells of tapetum have dense cytoplasm. The
(outer covering)
cells have mostly more than one nucleus. Tapetum
of seed.
is the inner most wall layer of anther. It nourishes
the pollen grains. Outer to it are three wall layers.

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These are protective and help in dehiscence of seedless e.g., apple, pear, banana and pine apple.
anther to release pollen grains from it. 1. In some diploid egg cell without meiosis
develops into embryo without fertilization.
148. What is apomixis and what is its importance?
2. In Citrus and mango varieties, cells from the
Ans : DELHI 2005
nucellus enclosing embryo sac begin to divide
and protude into embryo sac and develop into
reproduction. It mimics to the sexual reptoduction embryo.
of higher plants. 3. Growth regulators induce parthenocarpy in
Importance of Apomixis : litchi and mango.
1. Apomixisits have many advantages in
agriculture and horticulture. 150. List three strategies that a bisexual chasmogamous
flower can evolve to prevent self-pollination
2. It has increased productivity.
(autogamy).
3. It is important in hybrid seed industry.
Ans : FOREIGN 2005

1. Anthe and stigma lie at different positions

so that pollen cannot come in contact with
stigma of same flower.
2. The pollen is released before the stigma
becomes receptive or stigma became receptive
before release of pollen grain.
3. Self-incompatibility.

151. Does self incompatibility impose any restrictions

on autogamy? Give reasons and suggest the
method of pollination in such plants.
(a) Ans : OD 2013
Self incompatibility prevents autogamy and in
breeding production of unisexual flowers prevent
self pollination in them; when male and female
flowers are born on some plant as in papaya
and maize, this prevents autogamy but not
geitonogamy (a method of pollination in such
plants).

152. What is polyembryony and how can it be

commercially exploited?
Ans : DELHI 2014

polyembryony e.g., Orange seeds. The

farmers use hybrid seeds to develop a new crop
year after year and they need not purchase hybrid
(b) seeds; Apomictic genes can be transferred into
hybrid varieties of seeds.
Fig (a) Transverse section of a mature anther,
(b) Enlarged view of one microsporangium 153. Are parthenocarpy and apomixis different
showing wall layers. phenomena? Discuss their benefits.
Ans : OD 2005

149. If one can induce parthenocarpy through the Parthenocarpy and apomixis are different
application of growth substances, which fruits you phenomenon the apomixis leads to development
would select to induce parthenocarpy and why ? of embryo; panthenocarpy leads to development
Ans : DELHI 2010
of seedless fruit in apple, pear, bananas etc., it
can be induced in tomatoes. Apomixis is related
Parthenocarpy is defined the development
of fruit from an unfertilized The fruit is to polyploidy.

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154. Why does the zygote begin to divide only after 157. What are characteristic features of insect
the division of Primary endosperm cell (PEC)? pollinated flowers?
Ans : COMP 2007 Ans : DELHI 2012, SQP 2019
The zygote needs nourishment during its The characteristic features of insect pollinated
development. As the mature, fertilised embryo sac flowers are as follows :
offers very little nourishment to the zygote, the 1. Flowers are large sized, brightly coloured and
PEC divides and generates the endosperm tissue showy.
which nourishes the zygote. Hence, the zygote
2. Pollen grains are sticky.
always divides after division of PEC.
3. Flowers are sweet scented.
155. The generative cell of a two-celled pollen divides 4. Pollen grains of such flowers may be edible.
in the pollen tube but not in a three-celled pollen. 5. Some flowers also produce nectar.
Give reasons.
Ans : FOREIGN 2012 158. Give characteristic features of wind pollinated
In a 3-celled pollen, the generative cell has already flowers.
divided and formed 2 male gametes. Hence, it Ans : FOREIGN 2005
will not divide again in the pollen tube. Since The characteristics features of wind pollinated
in a 2-celled pollen, the generative cell has not flowers are as follows :
divided, it divides in the pollen tube. 1. Flowers are colourless, odourless and
Nectarless.
156. In the figure given below label the following parts:
male gametes, egg cell, polar nuclei, synergid and 2. Large number of pollen grains are produced
pollen tube. by such flowers.
3. Pollen grains are light, dry, non-sticky or even
winged.
4. Stigmas are large, hairy or feathery.

159. What features are present in Ornithophilous

flowers?
Ans : COMP 2006
Such flowers possess bright petals. They produce
large amount of nectar. The corolla is tubular
and stores nectar. Birds visit such flowers to suck
nectar and thus help in pollination.

160. Why the endosperm is triploidy and what is its

importance?
Ans : OD 2010
Ans : SQP 2007 Endosperm of angiosperms is produced from
the primary endosperm cell a product of triple
fusion. Two polar nuclei and one male nucleus
get fused together and their product develops
into endosperm. It supplies nourishment to the
developing embryo. It also provides nourishment
to germinating seeds with endosperm.

161. What is the structure of a monocot embryo?

Ans : DELHI 2015
Embryos of monocots possess only one cotyledon
called scutellum. It is situated on the lateral side of
the embryo axis. At its lower end, the embryo axis
has radical and root cap. It is enclosed in a sheath
called coleorhiza. The portion of embryonal axis
above the level of attachment of scutellum is the
epicotyl. It has a shoot apex enclosed in hollow
foliar structure called coleoptile.

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162. How does pollination occur in Mediterranean Feature Perisperm Endosperm

orchid?
Ans : SQP 2009
1. Consumption It is the Endosperm
In this orchid plant the pollination takes by a or persistence remains of may be
wasp Copla aurea. The shape of this orchid flower the nucellus consumed
resembles closely to the female wasp and also in a seed. by
emits some type of odour. The male wasp in thus developing
attracted to the flower and enters it for copulation embryo;
and thereby cross-pollination takes place. it may
persist in
163. Explain the significance of seeds and fruit castor and
formation. coconut
Ans : FOREIGN 2020
seeds.
Significance of Seed and Fruit Formation are as 2. Examples Black pepper Pea and
follows : and beet groundnut
1. In angiospermic plants fruits enclose the seeds have seeds.
seeds. They protect seeds from unfavourable perisperm.
climatic conditions at all.
2. The fruits may by fleshy or dry. Both of these 166. Make a list of any three outbreeding devices that
help in dispersal of seeds to distant places. flowering plants have developed and explain how
3. Fruits are sources of several chemicals like they help to encourage cross-pollination.
oils, organic acids, proteins, sugars, minerals Ans : SQP 2009, FOREIGN 2010, COMP 2013

as well as the vitamins. Three out-breeding devices to encourage cross

pollination :
4. Certain fruits provide food/nourishment to
developing seedlings. 1. Release of pollen grains even before the
stigma becomes receptive.
5. In gauva, the hard seed coat is enclosed by
fleshy, soft fruit pericarp. 2. Stigma may become receptive before release
of pollen grains. Anther and the stigma are
6. In almond, soft seeds are enclosed by hard
placed (lie) at different positions. Pollens
fruit shell.
do not come in contact with stigma of same
7. Edible and fleshy parts of fruits are sources of flower in same plant species.
food and energy to us and other animals.
3. Self-incompatibility and production of uni-
8. Animals help in dispersal of seeds and fruits sexual flowers etc. Self incompatibility prevents
by eating edible fleshy fruits. pollen from fertilising the ovule because there
is no pollen germination on the pistil.

167. What is the role of endothecium and tapetum in

an anther?
Ans : OD 2015
Role of Endothecium are as follows :
164. Write the advantages of cross pollination. 1. Protection.
Ans : FOREIGN 2005 2. Helpful in dehiscence of anther.
Advantages of Cross Pollination are as follows : Role of Tapetum: Tapetum is the inner most wall
1. Improved varieties are produced. layer of anther. It nourishes the pollen grains and
2. Introduction of variations in species of plants. outer to it are three wall layers.
3. Production of healthy and vigonous seeds. 168. Define apomixis. How is it different from
4. Seed yield may be high. polyembryony?
Ans : DELHI 2006
165. Differentiate between perisperm and endosperm
Apomixis : It refers the development of seeds
giving one example of each.
Ans : COMP 2020, OD 2023, DELHI 2021
reproduction. It mimics to the sexual reproduction
Differentiate between perisperm and endosperm of higher plants.
are as follows : Difference between Apomixis and Polyembryony

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are as follows : 172. Explain the different ways apomictic seeds can
develop. Give an example of each.
Apomixis Polyembryony Ans : OD 2015
1. Development of It is occurrence Development of Apomictic Seeds:
seeds without of more than one (a) Diploid (2N) egg is formed without meiosis
fertilization. embryo in a seed. in some species. It develops into the embryo
2. Example: some e.g., Citrus, without the process of fertilization.
species of grasses mangoes. (b) In some plants e.g., Mango and Citrus-in the
and Asteraceae varietis nucellar cells enclosing embryo sac
family. begin to divide; they protrude into embryo sac;
then develop into embryos. Ovule may have
169. Define parthenogenesis. Give one example of several embryos, showing polyembryony e.g.,
parthenogenesis from plants and one from animals. orange.
Ans : SQP 2007
173. How is artificial hybridization considered a crop
Parthenogenesis is defined the development
improvement programme?
unfertilized female gamete in plants e.g. some Ans : DELHI 2019

terrestrial orchids and Dendelion. Parthenogenesis Artificial Hybridization is considered a crop

occurs in animals too e.g. Aphids, Natural improvement programme in which different
parthenogenesis (thelokoty) occurs in Lacerta species as well as the Genera are crossed for
saxicola and artificial parthenogenesis in Echinus combination of desirable traits to get commercially
an Echinodemata.
pollens are protected from the unwanted ones by
170. Explain how pollination takes place in Zostera emasculation and bagging.
marina?
174. Explain the process of artificial hybridization if
Ans : FOREIGN 2010
Zostera marina is a submerged marine plant which (a) female parent bears bisexual flower.
shows true hydrophily. The pollination takes place (b) female parent bears uni-sexual flower.
beneath the surface of water. The pollen grains Ans : SQP 2019
released are elongated, needle like, without an exine (a) Female Parent Bears Bi-sexual Floweres:
and float beneath the surface of water. On reaching Anthers are removed from flower bud
the stigma they coil around it and germinate. before its dehiscence by forceps. It is
known as emasculation. It is followed by
171. What are the contrivances for cross pollination?
bagging of esmasculated flowers to prevent
Ans : COMP 2012
from undesired pollen grains. At attaining
Contrivances for cross pollination:
receptivity, mature pollens are dusted from
1. Dicliny (unisexuality): Stamens and the anthers of a male parent on stigma. The
carpels occur on different flowers e.g., flowers are bagged again to develop of fruits.
mulberry, betel, maize, castor, Euphorbia
(b) Female Parent Produces Unisexual Flowers: In
carica, Cannabis etc.
this case, female flower buds are bagged before
2. Incompatibility: It is called self sterility. The opening of flower. The stigma become receptive
pollens of one flower can not fertilize the egg and then desired pollens are dusted on stigma.
of same flower. e.g., tea flower, passion flower, Now the flower is bagged again to develop fruit.
Potato, Malva etc.
3. Dichogamy: In bisexual flowers stamen and 175. Name the parts of the ovule and the embryo sac
carpel do not mature at the same time e.g., for an angiosperm that develop into- 1. perisperm,
Rose, sunflower etc. 2. seed coats, 3. endosperm, 4. embryonal axis.
4. Heterostyly: It is a special device to ensure Ans : FOREIGN 2021

cross pollination in those plants where stamen 1. Perisperm: In black pepper and coconut
and carpal mature at same time. Some have nucellus of ovule may persist as perisperm.
long style but short stamens. These are called 2. Seed coats: One opening is called micropyle.
pin eyed. Some possess short style but long 3. Endosperm: PEM develops into it by triple
stamen. These are called thrum-eyed. fusion.

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CBSE CHAPTERWISE QB CLASS 12 BIOLOGY PAGE 43

4. Embryonal axis: Zygote formed by fusion of Ans : COMP 2010

male and female gametes give rise to embryo A Dicot Seed (e.g., Gram Seed): Gram seed has
2 cotyledons. The dicot seeds are of two types :
that has embryonal axis (its part is epicotyl
1. endospermic and 2. non endospermic.
in dicot seed and sentellum in maize grain
(monocot seed). 1. Endospermic Seed : e.g., castor and custard
apple seeds. It has endosperms. It has outer
176. What are pollen grains ? Give their structure. hard black mottled shell, the testa (seed coat).
Ans : COMP 2023 Caruncle is an outgrowth at the micropyle. It
Pollen Grains has 2 layered wall made of intine is spongy and absorbs moisture during seed
and exine. Outer hard layer is exine that is made germination. The raphe is prominent. The
up of sporopollenin. It has germ pores. The exine perisperm is a thin papery layer enclosing the
shows fascinating array of patterns and designs. endosperm. It has 2 cotyledons hinged to the
axis, the tigellum that shows a radicle and a
plumule between cotyledons.
2. Non-endospermic Seed : e.g., gram, pea, bean
etc. These are covered by seed coat. Seed coat
is mostly made up of 2 layers 1. testa (outer)
and 2. tegmen (inner). Seed is attached to
Fig Scanning EM of a few pollen grains stalk at the point hilum. The micropyle is
above the hilum. Raphe is distinct. The
The inner wall of a pollen is intine that is thin and embryo possesses tigellum (axis) and two
consists of cellulose and pectin. The cytoplasm fleshy cotyledons (fell of reserve food). Radicle
is enclosed by plasma membrane. Mature pollen is lower point of axis while plumule is upper
grain in 2 celled. When generative cell divides, it leafy end of the embryonal.
becomes 3-celled.

177. Write note on their economic importance.

Ans : OD 2018

(a) Pollens of some species cause allergy and

bronchial affictions leading to asthma,
brochitis in people.
(b) Pollens are used as food supplements. They
are available as tablets and syrup in markets.
Fig Structure of gram seed (A) and (B)
178. State one advantage and one disadvantage of
cleistogamy.
Ans : DELHI 2019 181. Explain the following:
(a) Advantage: Cleistogamous flowers produce 1. Malacophily
assured seed-set in absence of the pollinators. 2. Chitopterophily
(b) Disadvantage: There is no chance of cross pollen 3. Hydrophily
landing on stigma of cleistogamous flower. 4. Anemophily
179. How does the study of different parts of a flower Ans : FOREIGN 2005

help in identifying wind as its pollinating agent? 1. Malacophily: Pollination by snails is

Ans : COMP 2005
malacophily. Example-Arisaeme (Cobra
The wind pollination needs light and non-sticky plant).
pollen grains which are transported easily by air. 2. Chitopterophily: Pollination by bat is
The flowers have well exposed stamens, single chitopterophily. e.g., Kigelia pinnata.
ovule in each ovary and many flowers packed into 3. Hydrophily: Pollination by water is
inflorescence e.g. corn cob and grasses. hydrophily. e.g., Zostera and Vallisnaria.
180. Explain the structure of a dicot seed say gram 4. Anemophily: Pollination by wind is termed as
seed. anemophily. e.g., Maize and coconut, palm,
apple, peach.

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

Fig (A) A fruit of mango: Cut open to show

mesocarp surrounded on outside by a thin
epicarp and on inside by endocarp, (B) False
fruit of apple cut open to show internal structure

183. Mention any four strategies adopted by flowering

plants to prevent self pollination.
Ans : FOREIGN 2011
Four strategies adopted by flowering plants to
prevent self pollination:
(a) The pollen is released before the stigma is
receptive.
(b) The anther and stigma are placed at different
position and the pollen does not come in
contact with stigma of the same flower.
Fig Vallisneria-pollination by water
(c) Self incompatibility prevents self pollination.
(d) Production of uni-sexual flowers.
182. What is a fruit? Describe various zones of fruit by
taking any example of succulent fruit. 184. Draw a labelled diagram of the sectional view of a
Ans : SQP 2012 mature pollen grain of angiosperms. Explain the
Fruit is regarded as a ripened ovary. But function of any two of its parts.
sometimes, other floral parts also take part in the Ans : Delhi 2005
formation of fruits e.g., in apple, the main edible 1. Exine: Can withstand the high temperature
portion of fleshy receptacle and such fruits are and strong acids/as well as the alkalies.
called as false fruits.
2. Intine: Is a thin but continuous layer
A succulent fruit like mango consists of
consisting of cellulose and pectin.
pericarp and the seed. The pericarp is divided
into three zones: epicarp, mesocarp and the 3. Vegetative Cell: Is bigger, has abundant food
endocarp. In mango, the outer skin is epicarp. reserve.
The sweet, pulpy and edible portion is mesocarp. 4. Generative Cell: Divides by meiosis to give
The endocarp is hard in drupes. rise to two male gametes.
Sectional view of a Mature Pollen Grain :

Fig Sectional view of mature pollen grain of an

angiosperm flower

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CBSE CHAPTERWISE QB CLASS 12 BIOLOGY PAGE 45

185. Differentiate between Simple, Aggregate and Ans : FOREIGN 2005

Composite fruits. Seeds Offer Advantages to Angiosperms :

Ans : OD 2005 1. The reproductive processes like pollination
The difference between Simple, Aggregate and and fertilization are independent of water
Composite fruits are as follows : (H2O), the seed formation is more dependable
at all.
Simple Fruits Composite Aggregate 2. Seeds possess better adaptive strategies for
Fruits Fruits
their dispersal to new habitats/places. It is
1. They develop They develop They essential for conditioning them in new areas.
from a single from the develop from
3. They produce new genetic combinations
ovary. inflorescence. polycarpellary
and apocarpous which lead to variations.
carpel.
189. Why are angiosperm anthers called dithecous?
2. The ovary They are Each ovary Describe the structure of its microsporangium.
may be known as develops into
monocarpellary, multiple a fruitlet and
Ans : COMP 2010

polycarpellary fruits. several fruitlets Dithecous Anther : The anther of an angiosperm

and syncarpous. make aggregate is bilobed. Each lobe possesses 2 theca. Mostly
fruit. a longitudinal groove sepaates these theca. The
3. Example is pea. Example Example is
anther contains 4 microsporangia on its 4 corners.
is pine strawberry. Microsporangia later on change into pollen sacs.
apple, and Each microsporangium is circular in shape in
mulberry. outline. It remains surrounded by 4 wall layers.
They are epidermis, endothecium, middle layers
186. How does a plant breeder ensure cross-pollination and tapetum.
in economically important bisexual flower? Tapetum serves the function of nutrition.
Ans : DELHI 2010, SQP 2011
Other three layers protect the pollen grains and
It is done by emasculation and bagging techniques are helpful in dehiscence of anther, thereby in
by a breeder. Female parent bears bisexual release on pollen grains.
flowers, the anthers are removed from flower bud 190. Explain triple fusion in angiosperm.
by a forcep before the anther dehisces. It is called
Ans : OD 2017
emasculation.
Triple Fusion : In the embryo sac, one of the two
The emasculated flowers are then covered
male nuclei fuses with the egg nucleus and forms
by a bag made of butter paper to prevent
a diploid zygote. This process is called syngamy,
contamination of unwanted pollens. Mature
while the other male nucleus fuses with the two
pollens collected from anther of a male parent
polar nuclei (secondary diploid nucleus) and gives
are then dusted on stigma. The flower is again
rise to a Triploidy nucleus called the primary
bagged. The fruit is permitted to develop.
endosperm nucleus. This process of nuclear fusion
187. Continuous self-pollination results in inbreeding is known as Triple fusion. The product of primary
depression in plants. Describe any three devices endosperm nucleus is endosperm, which results
by which cross pollination is encouraged in nature. after division of primary endosperm nuclei and
Ans : FOREIGN 2013
development of wall around three nuclei.
Continuous self-pollination results in inbreeding 191. Write the fate of the products of this fusion in the
depression : mature fruit of coconut.
To check it, there are three devices :
Ans : DELHI 2012
1. Production of unisexual flowers. Coconut Fruit : PEC developed into endosperm.
2. In some plant species like papaya, male and PEC divides quickly to make tissue of endosperm.
female flowers are found on separate plants to PEN undergoes successive nuclear divisions to
prevent autogamy. form free nuclei; this stage is called free nuclear
3. Third device is self-incompatibility. endosperm (coconut water) that is made up of
thousands of nuclei and enclosing white kernel is
188. Explain any three advantages the seeds offer to cellular endosperm.
Angiosperms.

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192. Given below is a T.S. of an apple. Identify a , b surface of water and pollen reach there. Insects are
and c .Why is an apple categorised as a false fruit? pollinating agents also. Some animals are pollinators.

196. Differentiable between the two cells enclosed in a

mature male gametophyte of an angiosperm.
Ans : DELHI 2005
Mature male gametophyte is pollen grain. It
contains two cells that is vegetative cell and
generative cell.
Difference between vegetative cell and generative
cell:

Vegetative Generative
1. It is bigger in size. It is small in
It contains enough size. It floats in
Ans : SQP 2008 food reserves. the cytoplasm of
a = Thalamus, b = Seed, c = Endocarp. vegetative cell.
Apple is called false fruit because along with
2. Its nucleus is It has dense
ovary, thalamus takes part in fruit formation
irregular in shape. cytoplasm and a
(true fruit is formed only from ovary).
nucleus.
193. Both coconut palm and date palm produce
staminate flowers. One is monoecious and the 197. Write the changes a fertilized ovule undergoes
other is dioecious. Write the difference. within the ovary in an angiosperm plant.
Ans : FOREIGN 2016 Ans : SQP 2012
Changes in Fertilized Ovule: The zygote develops
Monoecious Dioecious
into embryo. Ovary forms the fruit, ovary wall
Male and female Male and female becomes the pericarp. Ovary is changed into
flowers occur on the flowers occur on seed. Funicle becomes the stalk of seed. Outer
same individual e.g., different individuals intergument of ovule forms testa while the inner
Coconut palm. e.g. date palm. integument makes the tegmen. The accessory
parts of flower fall off. In some cases, some parts
194. Starting with the zygote, draw the diagrams of develop into fruit. e.g., apple (false fruit).
the different stages of embryo development in a
dicot. 198. Differentiate between autogamy, geitonogamy
and xenogamy.
Ans : OD 2024, COMP 2019
Ans : FOREIGN 2013
The difference between Autogamy, Geitonogamy
and Xenogamy are as follows :

Autogamy Geitonogamy Xenogamy

1. Pollination Transfer of It is called
of ovule by pollens from allogamy/
pollens of an anther crosspollination.
some flower. of a flower
Plants breed to stigma
true e.g., pea. of another
flower of same
195. What are the possible types of pollinations in
plant.
chasmogamous flowers? Give reasons.
2. It does not It does not It provides the
Ans : OD 2008
provide provide opportunities
Chasmogamous Flower: Agents of pollination may genetic genetic for genetic
be abiotic (wind, water) or biotic (animals). Wind viability viability recombination
pollination needs light and non-sticky pollens, and the and genetic e.g., maize
easily carried by wind, well exposed stamens etc. recombination. recombination plant.
(e.g. grasses). Pollination by water mostly occurs e.g., wheat.
in monocots and Zostera etc., flowers emerge on

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199. Write the characteristic features of anemophilous 201. Draw a diagrammatic sectional view of a mature
flowers. anatropous ovule and label the following parts in it :
Ans : COMP 2010 (a) that develops into seed coat.
Characteristics of Flowers that Facilitate Wind (b) that develops into an embryo after fertilization.
Pollination (Anemophily): (c) that develops into an endosperm in an
(a) Wind pollinated (anemophilous) flowers are albuminous seed.
light, non-sticky but may be winged sometimes. (d) through which the pollen tube gains entry
(b) Anthers well exposed for easy dispersal of into the embryo sac.
pollens and the stigmas are mostly large as (e) that attaches the ovule to the placenta.
well as feathery to trap air borne pollens.
Ans : SQP 2015
(c) The flowers become arranged as an inflorescence.
(d) Normally the flowers have a single ovule e.g.,
some grasses and maize plant.

200. Draw a labelled diagram of a transverse section

of a mature anther of an angiosperm showing
different wall layers.
Ans : OD 2008

Fig A diagrammatic sketch of the view of

anatropous ovule

202. Mention the function of each of these wall layers

during pollen grain development.
(a) Ans : DELHI 2012
The Anther remains enclosed by four wall layers that
is (a) epidermis, (b) endothecium (c) middle layers
and (d) tapetum during pollen grain development.
(a) Function of Epidermis: Protection as well as
help in dehiscence of anther.
(b) Function of Endothecium: Protection; are
helpful in dehiscence of anther.
(c) Function of Middle Layers: Protection; help
in dehiscence of anther for releasing pollen
grains.
(d) Function of Tapetum: It nourishes the pollen
grains at developing stage.
203. Describe the characteristic features of wind
pollinated flowers.
Ans : FOREIGN 2007
Characteristics of Flowers that Facilitate wind
(b) Pollination:
(a) Wind pollinated flowers are light, non-sticky
Fig (a) Transverse section of a mature anther buy may be winged sometimes.
of an Angiosperm, (b) Enlarged view of one
(b) Anthers well exposed for easy dispersal of
microsporangium showing wall layers
pollens and the stigmas are mostly large as

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

well as feathery to trap air borne pollens. Apimixis Amphimixis

(c) The flowers become arranged as an
1. Any asexual 1. Sexual
inflorescence.
method of reproduction by
(d) Normally the flowers have a single ovule e.g., propagation not fusion of gametes
some grasses and maize plant. involving normal and formation of
204. Draw a L.S. of a pistil showing pollen tube production normal embryo
entering the embryo-sac in an angiosperm and of embryo by is known as
label any six parts other than stigma, style and fertilization is amphimixis.
ovary. known as apomixis.
Ans : COMP 2006 2. Examples: 2. Examples are
L.S. of a Flower Vegetative rice and wheat.
propagation
through bulbs,
thubers, bulbils,
adventitious buds.

208. Distinguish between Monocot Seed and Dicot

seed.
Ans : FOREIGN 2023
Difference between Monocot Seed and Dicot Seed
are as follows:

Monocot Seed Dicot Seed

1. It has one 1. It has two
cotyledon. cotyledons.
2. Aleurone layer 2. Absent.
205. Pistil of a flower does not accept pollen from any present.
plant other than from its own kind. How does it 3. Radicle and 3. Absent.
happen? Explain. plumule covered
Ans : OD 2013 by coleorrhiza
Ability of pistil to accept pollen grains of its and coleoptile.
own kind is mediated by the interaction between
chemical components secreted by pollen as well as 4. Food stored in 4. Food stored in
those of the pistil. endosperm. cote-ledon or
endosperm.
206. Mention the function of each of the following : 5. e.g. Maize and 5. e.g. Beam seed.
1. tassels of corn-cob wheat seeds.
2. mitochondria in sperm
3. tapetum in the microsporangium. 209. Describe the endosperm development in coconut.
Ans : DELHI 2015 Ans : COMP 2011
Functions of: The Development of Endosperm in Coconut:
1. Tassels of Corn-cob: It waves in air to trap PEN (Primary Endoplasm Nucleus) undergoes
pollen grains for wind pollination. successive nuclear division. This gives rise to
free-nuclei. It is called free-nuclear endosperm-
2. Mitochondria in Sperm: It provides energy development. The cell wall formation takes place
for movement of tail. and now the endosperm becomes cellular. Number
3. Tapetum in the Microsporangium: It nourishes of free nuclei formed differ greatly. The coconut
the developing pollen grains in anther. water if free-nuclear-endosperm. It is made up of
thousands of nuclei. The surrounding white kernel
207. Distinguish between Apomixis and Amphimixis. is cellular endosperm. Endosperm may persist in
Ans : SQP 2020 mature seed in angiosperm.
Difference between Apomixis and Amphimixis
are as follows :

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210. Distinguish between Autogamy and Allogamy. 213. Draw a labelled diagram of a male gametophyte
Ans : SQP 2010 of an angiosperm. Why does it possess two male
Difference between Autogamy and Allogamy are gametes to fertilize an ovule?
as follows : Ans : FOREIGN 2014
Male Gametophyte of an Angiosperm :
Autogamy Allogamy
1. Pollination of 1. Pollination of
the ovule by the the ovule by the
pollen grains of pollen grains of
the same flower another flower of
is termed as a different plant
autogamy. is termed as
allogamy.
2. It does not 2. It provides many
provide opportunities
opportunity for genetic
for genetic recombination
recombination and and greater
genetic variability. variability. Fig Mature pollen grain and development of
male gametophyte
3. Autogamous 3. Allogamous plants
plants breed true show hybrid
to their type, e.g., vigcur, e.g., It possesses 2 male gametes to fertilize one ovule
pea, wheat, rice. maize, Cannabis, because one of these male gametes fuses to egg cell
mulberry. to form zygote. It is called syngamy (fertilization).
The other male gamete moves towards two polar
211. Why is tender coconut considered a healthy nuclei (located in the central cell) and fuses with
source of nutrition? them to form a triploidy primary endosperm
nucleus i.e. PEN.
Ans : OD 2009
The endosperm is filled with reserve food materials
and is used for nutrition. The coconut water from
the tender coconuts if free nuclear endosperm. It is
made up of several thousands nuclei. It is enclosed
by white kernel that is cellular endosperm.

212. How are pea seeds different from castor seeds

with respect to endosperm?
Ans : DELHI 2006
214. In angiosperms, zygote is diploid while primary
endosperm cell is triploidy. Explain.
Pea Seeds Differ from Caster Seeds: The pea
seeds are non-albuminous that has no residual Ans : DELHI 2015

endosperm since that is fully consumed during Embryo sac, Zygote and Endosperm in
embryo development. The castor seeds are Angiosperm: The embryo sac is haploid since it
albuminous as they retain a portion of endosperm contains haploid egg cell that is formed by meiosis
since it is not completely used be embryo for its division of MMC of the ovule. The zygote is
development. diploid since it is formed by fusion of male gamete
and female gamete (both these are haploid). The
endosperm is triploidy since it is formed after
triple fusion that is fusion of male gamete with
two polar nuclei.

215. Draw a labelled diagram of L.S. of an embryo of

grass (any six labels).

Fig Castor seed

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

Ans : COMP 2015 Ans : OD 2017, DELHI 2011

L.S. of an Embryo of Grass : In flowering plants pollen tube, after reaching
the ovary, enters the ovule through the micropyle
and then enters one of the synergids through the
filiform apparatus. The filiform apparatus present
at the micropylar part of the synergids guides the
entry of pollen tube.
After entering one of the synergids, the
pollen tube releases the two male gametes into
the cytoplasm of the synergid. One of the male
gametes moves towards the egg cell and fuses with
its nucleus thus completing the syngamy. This
results in the formation of a diploid cell called
zygote.
While other male gamete moves towards the
two polar nuclei located in the central cell and
fuses with them to produce a triploidy primary
endosperm nucleus (PEN). It is termed as triple
fusion because this involves the fusion of three
haploid nuclei.
Since two types of fusions, syngamy and triple
fusion take place in an embryo sac therefore this
phenomenon is termed double fertilization. This
event is unique to angiosperms.
The central cell after triple fusion becomes
the primary endosperm cell (PEC) and develops
into the endosperm that provide nourishment
216. Give reasons for each of the following
to the growing embryo plant while the zygote
(a) Anthers of angiosperm flowers are described develops into an embryo.
as dithecous.
(b) Hybrid seeds have to be produced year after
year.
Ans : OD 2014

(a) Anthers of Angiosperms Flowers are

Dithecous: A typical angiospermic anther is
bilobed. Each lobe has 2 theca-So it is known
as dithecous. A longitudinal groove separates
the 2 anthers.
(b) Hybrid Seeds have to be Produced Year After
Year: The reason is that when seed of hybrids
are sown the plants of progeny will segregate
as well as they maintain characters
of hybrid. When these are made into the
apomicts, then there occurs no segregation at
all.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

217. What do you understand by double fertilization? Longitudinal Section of Pistil showing Pollen
Explain it with the help of diagrams. Germination
Or
Describe fertilization in flowering plants.

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219. Define cross-pollination. Write the various

agencies of cross-pollination.
Ans : COMP 2005
The process of transfer of pollen grain from one
flower to the stigma of another flower of same or
different plant is called as cross pollination.
Agents for cross pollination: Various methods of
cross pollination are as follows.
1. Abiotic Agents : It involves physical or non
living agents like wind, water etc.
(a) Anemophily : When flowers are pollinated
by wind agency, the phenomenon is known
as anemophily. Anemophilous flowers are
small and inconspicuous with long and
versatile stamens. e.g., Sugarcane, Maize,
Wheat Bamboo, Grasses.
(b) Hydrophily : When the pollination takes
place through the agency of water, it is
known as hydrophily e.g. Potamogeton,
Myriophyllum or Entomophilous e.g.,
Fig Changes in the Embryosac Alisma, Lotus.
2. Biotic Agents : It includes animals of different
218. What do you mean by seed ? Describe the process types like insects, birds, bats etc.
for formation of a seed. (a) Entomophily : When pollination is
Ans : OD 2013 brought about by the agency of insects,
A seed is a small embryonic plant enclosed in a it is known as entomophily or insect
covering called the seed coat, usually with some pollination. About 80% pollination occurs
stored food. It is the product of the ripened ovule by insects like months, beetles, butterflies,
of gymnosperm and angiosperm plants which wasp, etc. All the flowers pollinated by
forms after fertilization and some growth with insects are brightly coloured, have a sweet
in the mother-plant. The formation of the seed smell and produce nectar. Entomophilous
completes the process of reproduction in plants flowers produce a small amount of pollen
(started with the development of flowers and which has a spinous and sticky exine due
pollination), with the embryo developed from the to presence of pollenkitt. The stigmas of
zygote and the seed coat from the integuments of such flowers are long rough and sticky.
ovule. e.g. Yucca, Ficus etc.
The formation of seed starts with double (b) Ornithophily : When flowers are
fertilization in angiosperms and it involves the pollinated by birds, the phenomenon is
fusion of the egg and sperm nuclei into a zygote. known as ornitophily. The most common
It is followed by the fusion of the polar nuclei bird pollinators are Sun bird, Humming
with a second sperm cell nucleus, thus forming bird, Crow, Bulbul, Parrot Mynah, etc.
a primary endosperm. Right after fertilization Flowers are brightly coloured and produce
the zygote is mostly inactive but the primary plenty of nectar and large quantities of
endosperm divides rapidly to form the endosperm pollen. Humming bird pollinates while
tissue. This tissue becomes the food that the hovering over the flowers and sucking
young plant will consume until the roots have nectar. The bird can derive about half of
developed after germination, or it develops into a its body weight of nectar in a single day.
hard seed coat. The nectar is chiefy made of sugars and
The seed, which is an embryo with two points provides a sweet drink to the bird.
of growth, one of which forms the stems and the (c) Chiropterophily : It is a mode of
other the roots is enclosed in a seed coat with pollination performed by bats. The flowers
some food reserves. The new seeds is formed in they visit are large, dull-coloured and
plant structures called fruits. have a strong scent. Chiropterophilous
flowers produce abudant pollen grains.
These flowers secrete more nectar than

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

ornithophilous flowers and open at night Geitonogamy Xenogamy

emit a good fragrance e.g. Kadam tree.
(d) Malacophily : Pollination by slugs 1. It is transfer to This is defined
and snails is called malacophily. e.g. pollens from the as the transfer of
Chrysanthemum, lemna. anther to the stigma pollens from the
of another flower of anther to the stigma
220. Draw a diagram of a male gametophyte of of a different plant.
an angisperm. Label any four parts. Why is 2. It is similar In this type of
sporopollenin considered the most resistant to autogamy pollination, the
organic material? functionally since pollen grains are
Or it includes a genetically different
Describe the structure of 3-celled pollen grain of pollinating agent or that fall upon the
an angiosperm. agency. The pollen stigma of another
Ans : SQP 2013, FOREIGN 2014 grains come from flowers.
the same plant
whose flowers are to
be pollinated.
Geitonogamy would lead to inbreeding depression
since the pollens come from the same plant.

222. Pollination is an important phenomenon in the life

cycle of a flowering plant. Describe the agencies
responsible for this.
(a) (b)
Ans : OD 2013, DELHI 2015, SQP 2016
Fig Structure of mature pollen grain (a) Surface The transference of pollen grain from anthers to
view, (b) Sectional view the stigma of a flower is defined as pollination.
There are two types of pollination:
Or 1. Self pollination or Autogamy.
2. Cross-pollination or Geitonogamy.
(a) Autogamy: The pollen from the anther is
transferred to stigma of the same flower.
Example: Wheat, rice and pea.
(b) Cross-pollination: It is the transference of
pollen from the anther of a flower to the
stigma of another flower. It is also called
allogamy and is generally found in uni-
sexual as well as bisexual flowers.
The Agencies of cross-pollination :

Fig Mature pollen grain and development of Agency of pollination Type of pollination
male gametophyte 1. Biotic Agents:

The pollen grains are preserved as fossils due to 1. Birds Ornithophily

the presence of sporopollenin. The exine consists 2. Insects Entomophily
of most resistant organic material because it
3. Animals Zoophily
can withstand high temperatures. It can also
withstand the strong acids as well as the alkalis. 4. Snails Malacophily

221. Differentiate between geitonogamy and xenogamy 4. Bats Chiropterophily

in plants. Which one between the two will lead to 6. Ants Myrmicophily
inbreeding depression and why?
2. Abiotic Agents:
Ans : COMP 2020
The difference between Geitonogamy and 1. Water Hydrophily
Xenogamy are as follows : 2. Wind Anemophily

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CBSE CHAPTERWISE QB CLASS 12 BIOLOGY PAGE 53

Ornithophily: Pollination by birds is known as 224. Describe the structure of a monocotyledonous

Ornithophily. Bird pollinated flowers produce seed.
nectar. Ans : FOREIGN 2009, COMP 2015, OD 2020
Example: Red silk cotton, Bottle brush, Bignonia, It is one seeded fruit. It has only one cotyledon.
etc. Monocot seeds are mostly endospermic. The
Entomophily: Pollination by insects is known as seed coat is membranous but fused to the fruit
entomophily. The flowers produce nectar and are wall; hence called a grain/fruit. The main part
brightly coloured to attract insects. of it is the endosperm (it stores food). It remains
Example: Salvia and Euphorbia. separated from embryo by aleurone layer. The
Zoophily: Pollination by animals including man is small embryo lies in the groove of one end of
called zoophily. e.g., Wheat, maize, rice, etc. are endosperm. Embryo contains one shield like
artificially cross-pollinated by the breeders. cotyledon called the scutellum, a short axis with
radicle as well as the plumule. Plumule is covered
by a sheath the coleoptile. But the radicle is
covered by the coleorrhiza.
Orchid and Sagittaria seeds are non-endospermic
seeds.

Fig Structure of seed : Monocot seed

Fig Pollination in Salvia by Insects 225. Why does endosperm development precede
embryo development in angiosperm seeds? State
223. How are seeds advantageous to flowering plants? the role of endosperm in mature albuminous
Ans : FOREIGN 2007, COMP 2018
seeds and Describe with the help of three labelled
The Seeds are Advantageous to the Flowering diagrams the different embryonic stages that
Plants: include mature embryo of dicot plants.
1. As some reproductive process e.g., pollination Ans : DELHI 2012, SQP 2016

etc. are independent of water, the formation 1. Endosperm Development Proceeds Embryo
of the seeds is more dependable. Development : Primary endosperm cell is
2. The seeds have better adaptive strategies divided repeatedly forming a triploidy (3 N)
for the dispersal to new places/habitats and endosperm tissue. The tissue cells are filled
finally helpful to colonise far and wide. with reserve food for nourishment of embryo
that is developing. The PEN may undergo
3. The seeds have enough food to nourish the
many division to form it.
young seedlings.
2. Development of Embryo in Typical Dicot
4. The seed coat is hard enough to give
Plant : The fertilized egg divides into basal
protection to young embryo in seed.
suspensor cell (hypobasal cell) and terminal
5. They are source of variations since they are embryo cell (epibasal cell) by a transverse
formed as a result of sexual reproduction. wall. Further division take place and the
epibasal cell divides separately to form a row
of 4-8 cells. The terminal cell is divided to

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CH 1 : SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

form a cluster of cells called proembryo. So, gives rise diploid zygote and polar nuclei give rise
the proembryo is formed. The hypobasal cell
and other cells divide and form suspensor. The In the flowering plants, there occurs double
terminal cell divide and forms haustorium. fertilization; so there occurs two fusion-one male
The lower most cell of suspensor is developed gamete fuses to egg making a diploid zygote
into the apex or radicle. The embryo cell while the other fuses to 2 polar nuclei making
divides and form B-celled embryo after two the triploidy endosperm nucleus that forms
successive divisions. Further divisions into endosperm.
celled embryo form the embryo proper. Its 228. fusion
terminal cells form plumule and cotyledons.
Embryo and endosperm develop both. The
Ans : SQP 2010
integuments become hard.
1. The Incompatibility: It is considered as the
3. Mature Dicot Embryo :
most widespread as well as the effective
devices to prevent or check inbreeding and
outbreeding both.
2. The Pistil is a
process that involves pollen recognition that is
followed by promotion or even the inhibition

Justification: This acts as a natural barrier

by interaction of chemical substances that are
produced by style.

229. Show the development of monocot embryo by a

series of figures only.
Ans : FOREIGN 2012
Development of Monocot Embryo :
A monocot embryo consists of only one cotyledon
226. Draw a labelled longitudinal sectional view of e.g., in grass family, cotyledon is called scutellum
that lies towards one side of emrbyonal axis. At its
Ans : OD 2012 lower end is coleorrhiza. The epicotyl is covered
L.S. view of An Albuminous Seed: e.g., castor by coleoptile.
seed.

Fig Castor seed

It is an albuminous seed. It is also called

endospermic seed.

227. Why is fertilization in Angiosperms referred to as

Ans : DELHI 2007

Double Fertilisation:
male gamete with egg cell and other male gamete Fig Different stages of monocot embryo
with the polar nuclei and the egg after fertilisation development

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CBSE CHAPTERWISE QB CLASS 12 BIOLOGY PAGE 55

230. Explain the sequence of events in pollen-pistil as microspore (pollen) mother cells. Each
interaction. microspore mother cell divides meiotically and as
Ans : COMP 2015 a result four microspores are formed from each
Pollen-Pistil Reaction: It is a dynamic process. microspore mother cell. All the four microspores
It involves pollen recognition by promotion or remain enclosed in a column wall. This four
inhibition of the pollen. It can be studied under celled organisation is called tetrad. Later on, they
2 heads: mature as pollens.
1. The Pollen is Compaitable: The pollen grain Mature pollen grain is 2-celled-one is vegetative
germinates on stigma. The pollen tube grow cell and the other is generative cell. In some
species of angiosperms generative cell divides to
through style. It enters the ovules and at
form two male gametes hence pollen grains are
least discharges two male gametes in one of
shed at three-celled stage.
the synergids. The angiosperms show double
fertilization. Two fusion events occur in each
emrbyo sac. (syngamy and triple fusion).
Products of these fusions are (a) diploid zygote
and (b) triploidy primary endosperm nucleus.
2. The Pollen is Incompitable: It may be natural
or done by the breeders to get desired hybrids
by crossing different genera and species of
desirable traits to produce superior varieites
ot plants or crops. It is done by emasculation Fig Sectional view of mature pollen grain of an
and bagging. angiosperms

231. Explain the process of microsporogenesis in

angisopersm. 232. Give reasons why:
Or 1. most zygotes in angiosperms divide only after
certain amount of endosperm is formed.
1. How does microspore mother cell develop into
mature pollen grain in angiosperms? 2. groundnut seeds are exalbuminous and castor
seeds are albuminous.
2. Describe the structure of a manure pollen
grain and draw a labelled diagram of its two- 3. Micropyle remains as a small pore in the seed
celled stage. coat of a seed.
Or 4. integuments of an ovule harden and the
water content is highly reduced, as the seed
Describe in sequence the events that lead to
matures.
the development of a 3-celled pollen grain
from microspore mother cell in angiosperms. 5. apple and cashew are not called true fruits.
Ans : OD 2005
Or
1. The endosperm development precedes the
1. Name and explain the process of formation of
embryo development. The endosperm provides
male gametophyte in flowering plants.
nourishment to the development embryo. So
2. Draw a labelled diagram of matured male
this is an adaptation to give assured nutrition
gametophyte.
to the embryo for its development.
Or 2. The groundnut seeds are exalbuminous since
Trace its development from sporogenous tissue in
they process no residual endosperm because
the anther.
it is fully absorbed during development of
Ans : COMP 2005
embryo.
The pollen grains are produced in anther. A
young anther consists of homogenous mass of The Castor seeds are called albuminous since
undifferentiated meristematic cells surrounded they retain a part of endosperm as it is not
by epidermis. During the development the anther fully used up during embryo development.
becomes four lobed and each lobe is called 3. Micropyle: It remains as a small pore in the
as microsporangium. Each microsporangium seed coat of a seed to facilitate the entry of
have sporogenous cells which divide meiotically oxygen O2 and water (H2O) into the seed
and increase in number before they function during the process of germination of a seed.

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4. Integuments of an ovule harden, water 234. Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains
content is highly reduced when the seed from male anther of a flower to the female stigma.
matures. The metabolic activities slow down The goal of every living organism including plants
as embryo enters in dormant stage. is to create offspring for the next generation. One
5. Apple and cashew are not called true fruits of the ways that plants can produce offspring
but they are false fruits as the thalamus takes is by making seeds which then germinate to
produce new plants. Two types of flowers with
part in fruit formation. A true fruit develops
their pollination seen in plants are chasmogamy
from ovary only.
and cleistogamy. Chasmogamous flowers have
strikingly coloured petals and nectar guides/
nectaries in contrast to cleistogamous flowers
CASE BASED QUESTIONS which are minute bud-like.
(i) Why Cleistogamous flowers are strictly
autogamous ?
233. The process of wind pollination is also termed
as anemophily and is considered to be the most (ii) Identify the figure below and write any two
common amongst the abiotic pollination. The feature that relates to it.
flowers that are pollinated by wind are small,
colourless, inconspicuous and nectarless in nature.
Such flowers have well exposed anthers and are
commonly found as in grasses, bamboo, coconut
etc.

(iii) Given any two advantages of Cleistogamy

are:
Ans :
(i) The Cleistogamous flowers are strictly
(i) Why the anthers in such flowers are well autogamous because they are closed flowers
exposed ? and the anther and stigma lies close to each
other self ensuring pollination.
(ii) State the characteristic nature of pollen
grains of these flowers. (ii) The above given figure is of plant bearing
chasmogamous flower. Out of which
(iii) What type of stigma are found in flowers
chasmogamous is autogamous in nature while
pollinated by wind.
in cleistogamous sex organs are exposed.
Ans :
(iii) Two advantages of Cleistogamy are :
(i) This is done for the easy dispersal of the
(i) They are not dependent on pollinators.
pollen grains from one flower to another for (ii) No chances of cross pollination.
pollination.
(ii) The pollen grains are small, light, weightless,
dry, dusty, non-sticky and even winged in
nature.
(iii) The stigmas is large, hairy, branched to catch
the air borne pollen grains.

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