Which among the following exhibit the phenomenon of double fertilization ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Angiosperms
Explanation:
- Double fertilization is a unique characteristic of angiosperms (flowering plants).
- It involves two fertilization events:
- Syngamy – One male gamete (n) fuses with the egg cell (n) to form the zygote (2n), which develops into the embryo.
- Triple fusion – The second male gamete (n) fuses with the two polar nuclei (n + n) in the central cell to form the triploid (3n) endosperm, which provides nutrition to the developing embryo.
Other options:
Gymnosperms – No double fertilization; they have only syngamy (fusion of sperm and egg) and endosperm in gymnosperm is formed before fertilization so it is haploid in nature.
Pteridophytes – These are seedless vascular plants (e.g., ferns) that reproduce via spores, not seeds, and lack double fertilization.
Algae – Algae reproduce through various methods (asexual, sexual, and vegetative), but do not exhibit double fertilization.