[Campbell Biology P.695] According to the provided diagram and text, what is the correct seq... | Practice Question

According to the provided diagram and text, what is the correct sequence of events involving the male gametophyte development and its role in fertilization?

  • A: Microsporocyte (2n) -> Meiosis -> Four microspores (n) -> Pollen grain -> Pollen tube elongation -> Sperm discharge
  • B: Megasporocyte (2n) -> Meiosis -> Megaspores (n) -> Pollen grain -> Pollen tube
  • C: Pollen grain -> Generative cell divides -> Tube cell forms -> Sperm fertilizes egg
  • D: Stigma -> Ovary -> Pollen tube -> Sperm

Explanation

As shown in the diagram steps 2, 3, 4 and described in the text, microsporocytes undergo meiosis to produce microspores, which develop into pollen grains male gametophytes . Upon landing on a stigma, the pollen grain produces a pollen tube that elongates through the style. The generative cell within the pollen grain divides to form two sperm, which are then discharged into the ovule by the pollen tube.