Which one of the following guides the entry of the pollen tube into the embryo sac?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Filiform apparatus
The pollen tube enters the ovule through the micropyle and then enters one of the synergids. The filiform apparatus is a set of special thickenings of the synergid at its micropylar tip. It guides the pollen tube into the synergid, where the two male gametes are released.
Option (1) Antipodal Cells — Incorrect. The three antipodals sit at the chalazal end, far from where the pollen tube enters. They play no part in guiding it.
Option (2) Filiform apparatus — Correct. It is part of the synergids and is the structure that directs the pollen tube into the embryo sac.
Option (3) Micropyle — Incorrect. The micropyle is the small opening in the integuments. It is the path the tube takes into the ovule, but it does not guide the tube into the embryo sac.
Option (4) Synergids — Incorrect. The pollen tube does enter a synergid. But the guiding is done by one special part of it, the filiform apparatus, so Option (2) is the more exact answer.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 03-06-2025 (Slot 2).
NCERT Extract:
The Pistil, Megasporangium (ovule) and Embryo Sac – …
