A mature embryo sac of an angiosperm is:

The correct answer is Option (2) → 8 nucleate, 7 celled

Option (1) 7 nucleate, 7 celled — Incorrect. The embryo sac forms by three mitotic divisions of the functional megaspore nucleus, giving 2, then 4, then 8 nuclei. So it has 8 nuclei, not 7, though only 7 cells.

Option (2) 8 nucleate, 7 celled — Correct. The functional megaspore’s nucleus divides three times to give 8 nuclei. Six form cells (three antipodals, two synergids, one egg) and two stay in the central cell as polar nuclei, so the mature embryo sac is 8-nucleate but 7-celled.

Option (3) 6 nucleate, 7 celled — Incorrect. Three free-nuclear divisions give 8 nuclei, not 6. Six of them form cells (three at each end), and the remaining two polar nuclei lie in the large central cell.

Option (4) 4 nucleate, 7 celled — Incorrect. Four nuclei is only the stage after the second division. The third division gives 8 nuclei, which then organise into the 7-celled embryo sac.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 20-05-2026 (Slot 2) and on 20-05-2026 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2023 on 23-06-2023 (Slot 3).

NCERT Extract:
The Pistil, Megasporangium (ovule) and Embryo Sac – “… There is a characteristic distribution of the cells within the embryo sac. Three cells are grouped together at the micropylar end and constitute the egg apparatus. The egg apparatus, in turn, consists of two synergids and one egg cell. The synergids have special cellular thickenings at the micropylar tip called filiform apparatus, which play an important role in guiding the pollen tubes into the synergid. Three cells are at the chalazal end and are called the antipodals. The large central cell, as mentioned earlier, has two polar nuclei. Thus, a typical angiosperm embryo sac, at maturity, though 8-nucleate is 7-celled.”