Embryo Sac in Angiosperms: Structure, Formation & NEET Important Points
If you study only one topic from Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, make it the Embryo Sac. Direct questions appear every year in NEET.
What is Megagametogenesis?
Megagametogenesis is the process of formation of the female gametophyte (embryo sac) from a functional megaspore.
Simple: Megaspore → Embryo Sac
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Explore NEET Biology →How Does the Embryo Sac Form?
Step 1: Formation of Megaspores
- Megaspore mother cell → Meiosis → 4 megaspores
- 3 degenerate
- Only 1 functional (chalazal megaspore) remains
Step 2: 3 Mitotic Divisions
- 1st mitosis → 2 nuclei
- 2nd mitosis → 4 nuclei
- 3rd mitosis → 8 nuclei
- Only nuclear division occurs (no cell wall initially)
Result: 7 cells, 8 nuclei
Distribution of Cells in Mature Embryo Sac
- Micropylar End: 1 Egg cell + 2 Synergids (Egg apparatus)
- Central Cell: 2 Polar nuclei (later form secondary nucleus)
- Chalazal End: 3 Antipodal cells
Quick Table – Structure & Function
| Structure | Number | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Cell | 1 | Female gamete |
| Synergids | 2 | Guide pollen tube |
| Polar Nuclei | 2 | Form endosperm (3n) |
| Antipodals | 3 | Provide nutrition |
NEET Important Points
- Most common type → Polygonum type
- Only chalazal megaspore survives
- Mature embryo sac is 7-celled but 8-nucleate
- Synergids have filiform apparatus
Remember these 3 points and you can solve any NEET question on this topic!