[Campbell Biology P.876] In angiosperms, double fertilization results in the formation of wh... | Practice Question

In angiosperms, double fertilization results in the formation of which of the following?

  • A: A haploid (n) zygote and a diploid (2n) endosperm.
  • B: A diploid (2n) zygote and a triploid (3n) endosperm.
  • C: Two haploid (n) sperm and one diploid (2n) egg.
  • D: A seed coat and an embryo.

Explanation

Double fertilization in angiosperms involves two distinct fusion events: one sperm n fuses with the egg n to form a diploid 2n zygote, and the other sperm n fuses with the central cell containing two polar nuclei, n+n to form a triploid 3n primary endosperm nucleus, which develops into the endosperm.