Solution

Class 12 - Biology
Bio
Section A
1. The diploid megaspore mother cell divides meiotically and forms four
megaspores, which are usually arranged in a longitudinal row (linear tetrad).
Out of four megaspores formed, three degenerate. The remaining one acts as
functional megaspore (chalazal). The nucleus of functional megaspore
undergoes three successive mitotic divisions forming eight haploid nuclei, which
get organized into three groups -three nuclei migrate to the micropylar end and
form the egg apparatus (one egg cell, two synergids). Three migrate towards
chalazal end and form antipodal cells. Two polar nuclei fuse to form a diploid
secondary nucleus in the centre.
2. Endosperm is a nutritive tissue that supplies food material to the growing
embryo. Endosperm is developed from the triploid primary endosperm nucleus
(PEN).
In the angiosperms, there are three methods of endosperm development
(i) Nuclear type. In this method primary endosperm nucleus divides repeatedly
without wall formation to produce a large number of free nuclei.
(ii) Cellular type. Every division of the primary endosperm nucleus is followed
by cytokinesis.
(iii) Helobial type. This type is intermediate between cellular and nuclear type.
The division of PEN is followed by wall formation, which result in the formation
of micropylar and chalazal chambers. Now free nuclear divisions occur in both
the chambers.
3. Apomixis is production of seeds without fertilization. Hybrid seeds can be
cultivated with the help of apomixes. It is still at research stage, but if
experiments are successful then it may help in increasing the yield of better
variety of crops.

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4.

5. Double Fertilisation: - The pollen tube pierces one of the two synergids and
releases the two male gametes into the cytoplasm of synergid.
- One of the male gametes moves towards the egg cell and fuses with its nucleus
to perform syngamy or true fertilization. It gives rise to a diploid zygote.
- The other male gamete move towards the two polar nuclei of the central cell
and fuses with them to produce a triploid primary endosperm nucleus (PEN).
- In flowering plants, two types of fusions occur in the same embryo sac,
syngamy and triple fusion. Thus the phenomenon is called double fertilization.
- The central cell after triple fusion becomes the primary endosperm cell (PEC)
and develops into the endosperm.

6.

7. Structure of Pollen grain:

Pollen grains are generally spherical and are about 25-50 micrometers in
diameter. It has an outer layer exine and inner layer intine. Mature pollen grain
contains a bigger vegetative cell and a smaller generative cell.

Germination of Pollen Grain: The process of development of pollen tube is

called germination. Hydration of stigma results in elongation of tube cells into
the pollen tube. Pollen tube then grows towards the ovule for further process.
8. Development of Female Gametophyte (Megagametogenesis) The process of
development of female gametophyte or embryo sac from megaspore is called

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 megagametogenesis. - Embryo sac developed from a single megaspore is called
monosporic. - The nucleus of functional megaspore undergoes three successive
mitotic divisions forming eight haploid nuclei.

9. Flowers provide nectar, food and pollens as reward to their pollinators. Some
plant species provide floral rewards to the pollinators by giving safe places to lay
eggs, e.g. in Yucca plant a moth deposits its eggs in the locule of the ovary.
10. Agamospermy is a type of apomixes which involves the production of seed and
embryo without meiosis and fertilizations. Parthenogenesis is another form of
apomixes in which seeds develop from unfertilized female gamete and their
chromosomal number (haploid or diploid) depend on the nature of megaspore.
Parthenocarpy is the development of fruit without fertilization and the fruits are
seedless.

11.

12. The inability of seeds to germinate even if external conditions are favourable is
called seed dormancy. Seed dormancy may be due to one or more of the
following reasons:
(i) Hard and impermeable seed coats.
(ii) Presence of certain inhibitory substances such as abscisic acid (ABA),
coumarin etc. Significance:
(i) It helps the seeds to tide over the unfavourable period.

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 (ii) It enables the seeds to be disseminated safely and help them to germinate,
when the environment conditions are favourable

13.

14. The tapetal cells provide nutrition to the developing pollen grains. Tapetum
secretes both enzymes and hormones and special proteins for the pollen grains
to recognize compatibility. Tapetum produce ubisch granules for the formation
of exine of pollen grain. Tapetum secrete pollenkitt over outerside of mature
pollen.
15. Emasculation is the process of removal of anthers before maturation from the
flower buds of female parent so that chances of self pollination are eliminated.
Plant breeders employ this technique for artificial hybridization for crop
improvement programme.
Section B

16. (c)
Sporogenous tissue, microspore mother cell, microspore, pollen grain

Explanation:
The process of male gamete formation involves following events in succession
as Sporogenous tissue, microspore mother cell, microspore formation and
pollen grain that finally produce two male gametes.

17. (a)
Cleistogamous flower

Explanation:
Cleistogamy or automatic self-pollination describes the trait of certain plants
to propagate by using non-opening, self-pollinating flowers. Especially well

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 known in peanuts, peas, and beans, this behavior is most widespread in the
grass family.

18. (a)
Pistil

Explanation:
Bisexual flower have four main parts. Pistil or carpel is located at center
followed by stamen, carpel and sepals. Pistil contains stigma, style and ovary.

19. (c)
Microspore mother cell and Tapetum

Explanation:
The mature anther consists of four microsporangia which contain four layers.
The innermost layer is called tapetum that provides nutrient to growing
microspores and tissues inside it is called microspore mother cell that
produces pollen grain.

20. (d)
Only a is correct.

Explanation:
Actinomorphic flowers have radial symmetry. It is regular in arrangement and
two equal halves are formed by any vertical division passing through the
centre. Hence, only statement a is correct.

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