Typical embryo sac at maturity is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 8 nucleate, 7 celled structure
Count the cells and the nuclei of the mature embryo sac:
Egg apparatus at the micropylar end: 2 synergids + 1 egg cell = 3 cells, 3 nuclei.
Antipodals at the chalazal end: 3 cells, 3 nuclei.
Central cell: 1 cell with 2 polar nuclei.
Total: 7 cells and 8 nuclei.
Option (1) 7 nucleate, 8 celled structure — Incorrect. The two numbers are reversed. There cannot be more cells than nuclei here.
Option (3) 4 nucleate, 6 celled structure — Incorrect. Three rounds of mitosis give 8 nuclei, not 4, and the cells number 7.
Option (4) 8 nucleate, 6 celled structure — Incorrect. The nuclei are right, but 3 + 3 + 1 = 7 cells, not 6.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 29-05-2025 (Slot 1).
NCERT Extract:
The Pistil, Megasporangium (ovule) and Embryo Sac – “… 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.”
