Generally, an angiosperm embryo sac at maturity is -

The correct answer is Option (2) → 8-nucleate and 7-celled structure

The nucleus of the functional megaspore divides three times by free nuclear mitosis: 2, then 4, then 8 nuclei. Only after the 8-nucleate stage are cell walls laid down. Six nuclei get a cell each, and the remaining two, the polar nuclei, share one large central cell.

Option (1) 7-nucleate and 6-celled structure — Incorrect. This leaves out one cell and one nucleus. Three divisions always give 8 nuclei, and they are organised into 7 cells.

Option (3) 8-nucleate and 9-celled structure — Incorrect. Every cell needs at least one nucleus, so 8 nuclei cannot make 9 cells.

Option (4) 4-nucleate and 2-celled structure — Incorrect. The 4-nucleate stage comes only in the middle of development, after the second division. It is free nuclear, so it has no cell walls yet, and it is not the mature embryo sac.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 20-05-2026 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2025 on 20-05-2025 (Slot 2).

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.”