In the embryo sac of angiosperms, what is the correct order of the number of synergid cells, egg cell, central cell, and antipodal cells?

2–1–1–3

The correct answer is Option (3) -2–1–1–3

The embryo sac, also known as the female gametophyte, is a crucial structure within the ovule of a flowering plant. It is formed through the process of megasporogenesis, which involves the differentiation and development of a single megaspore mother cell within the ovule. The megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to produce four haploid megaspores. Out of these four megaspores, three degenerate and only one megaspore survives and develops into the embryo sac.

• Synergid cells: There are two synergid cells, which are located on either side of the egg cell. They have elongated filiform apparatus that help in guiding the pollen tube towards the egg cell.
• Egg cell: There is one egg cell, which is the female gamete. It is located at the micropylar end of the embryo sac.
• Central cell: The central cell contains two polar nuclei. These nuclei fuse to form the secondary nucleus.
• Antipodal cells: There are three antipodal cells, which are located at the chalazal end of the embryo sac. They degenerate after fertilization.
• Thus, a typical angiosperm embryo sac, at maturity, though 8-nucleate is 7-celled.

                           Embryo sac