What is the name given to the three cells grouped together at the micropylar end of the embryo sac?

Egg apparatus

The correct answer is d) Egg apparatus.

The micropylar end of the embryo sac contains three cells that are grouped together, and collectively, they are referred to as the egg apparatus. The egg apparatus consists of two synergids and one egg cell.

The synergids are specialized cells that play a crucial role in the fertilization process. They are positioned adjacent to the egg cell and are responsible for guiding the pollen tube towards the embryo sac. The micropylar tip of the synergids possesses filiform apparatus, which are specialized structures that aid in pollen tube guidance. The filiform apparatus provides a receptive surface and helps in the recognition and attraction of the pollen tube.

The egg cell, on the other hand, is the female reproductive cell within the embryo sac. It is involved in sexual reproduction and is fertilized by a sperm cell during the process of double fertilization. The fusion of the egg cell with a sperm cell gives rise to the zygote, which eventually develops into an embryo.

The presence of the egg apparatus at the micropylar end of the embryo sac is essential for the successful fertilization process in flowering plants. The synergids guide the pollen tube towards the egg cell, ensuring precise delivery of the sperm cells for fertilization. This specialized arrangement and coordination within the egg apparatus play a critical role in the reproductive success of flowering plants.