In a typical angiosperm, the mature embryo sac is :

The correct answer is Option (1) → 8 nucleated, 7 celled

Three mitotic divisions of the functional megaspore give 8 nuclei. Cell walls then form around six of them:

3 antipodals at the chalazal end + 3 cells of the egg apparatus (2 synergids + 1 egg) at the micropylar end + 1 large central cell holding the 2 polar nuclei = 7 cells.

Option (1) 8 nucleated, 7 celled — Correct. The mature embryo sac has 8 nuclei but 7 cells: 3 cells of the egg apparatus (2 synergids and 1 egg), 3 antipodals, and 1 large central cell that holds the 2 polar nuclei.

Option (2) 7 nucleated, 8 celled — Incorrect. A cell cannot be without a nucleus here; the numbers are reversed.

Option (3) 7 nucleated, 7 celled — Incorrect. The central cell has two nuclei, so there are 8 nuclei, not 7.

Option (4) 8 nucleated, 8 celled — Incorrect. The two polar nuclei share one cell, so there are only 7 cells.

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 05-06-2023 (Slot 3).

NCERT Extract:
The Pistil, Megasporangium (ovule) and Embryo Sac – “… After the 8-nucleate stage, cell walls are laid down leading to the organisation of the typical female gametophyte or embryo sac. Observe the distribution of cells inside the embryo sac (Figure 1.8b, c). Six of the eight nuclei are surrounded by cell walls and organised into cells; the remaining two nuclei, called polar nuclei are situated below the egg apparatus in the large central cell.”
The Pistil, Megasporangium (ovule) and Embryo Sac – “… 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.”

Figure 1.8 (a) Parts of the ovule showing a large megaspore mother cell, a dyad and a tetrad of megaspores; (b) 2, 4, and 8-nucleate stages of embryo sac and a mature embryo sac; (c) A diagrammatic representation of the mature embryo sac