In the majority of flowering plants, a certain pattern is followed in megaspore mother cell (MMC) undergoing meiosis and producing megaspores. How many functional megaspores would be produced with 32 MMC?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 32
Each megaspore mother cell (MMC) divides by meiosis and forms four megaspores. In most flowering plants only one of the four survives. This pattern is monosporic development.
Megaspores formed: 32 MMC × 4 = 128
Functional megaspores: 1 out of every 4, so 32 MMC × 1 = 32
Megaspores that degenerate: 32 MMC × 3 = 96
Option (1) 96 — Incorrect. 96 is the number of megaspores that degenerate, not the functional ones.
Option (2) 32 — Correct. Each MMC gives one functional megaspore, so 32 MMC give 32. Each of these will form one embryo sac.
Option (3) 128 — Incorrect. 128 is the total number of megaspores formed. Three out of every four of them degenerate.
Option (4) 62 — Incorrect. 62 does not come from any step of megaspore formation. It is not a multiple of 32.
NCERT Extract:
The Pistil, Megasporangium (ovule) and Embryo Sac – …
