Question

Difficulty: MediumSpermatophytes: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

In gymnosperms, the nutritive tissue that nourishes the embryo develops from the female gametophyte before fertilization and is haploid (nn), whereas in angiosperms, the nutritive endosperm develops after double fertilization and is typically triploid (3n3n).

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is True. Gymnosperm nutritive seed tissue is haploid (nn) and formed prior to fertilization, whereas angiosperm endosperm is triploid (3n3n) and formed after double fertilization.
The statement accurately describes the reproductive biology of spermatophytes. Gymnosperm nutritive tissue is haploid (nn) female gametophyte tissue established before fertilization. Angiosperm nutritive tissue (endosperm) is formed only after double fertilization and possesses a triploid (3n3n) chromosome count.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze gymnosperm seed development and nutritive tissue origin.
In gymnosperms, the female gametophyte tissue matures before fertilization, supplying nutrients to the embryo as a haploid (nn) tissue.
Double fertilization does not occur in gymnosperms, so no triploid tissue is formed.
2
Analyze angiosperm seed development and double fertilization.
In angiosperms, double fertilization produces a diploid (2n2n) zygote and a triploid (3n3n) primary endosperm nucleus.
The second sperm cell (nn) fuses with the central cell containing two polar nuclei (n+nn + n).
3
Evaluate the comparative accuracy of the stem statement.
The statement correctly contrasts the timing of development and ploidy levels between the two spermatophyte groups.
Both ploidy designations (nn vs 3n3n) and temporal distinctions (before vs after fertilization) in the stem are scientifically accurate.

Key Concept

Nutritive tissue origin, timing, and ploidy differences between Gymnosperms and Angiosperms
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