[Campbell Biology P.695] Based on the figure, if a flower has an ovary containing 6 ovules, ... | Practice Question

Based on the figure, if a flower has an ovary containing 6 ovules, what is the maximum number of seeds this flower could produce, and how many pollen grains would need to germinate to achieve this maximum seed production?

  • A: 6 seeds, 3 pollen grains
  • B: 6 seeds, 6 pollen grains
  • C: 12 seeds, 6 pollen grains
  • D: 6 seeds, 12 pollen grains

Explanation

According to the life cycle, each ovule, upon successful double fertilization by one pollen grain which contains two sperm , develops into one seed. Therefore, if there are 6 ovules, a maximum of 6 seeds can be produced. To fertilize 6 ovules, 6 pollen grains would need to germinate, as each germinating pollen grain provides the two sperm necessary for one double fertilization event.