Question

Double fertilization is

• A. Fusion of two male gametes of a pollen tube with two different eggs
• B. Fusion of two male gametes with one egg
• C. Fusion of one male gamete with two polar nuclei
• D. Syngamy and triple fusion

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Double fertilization is a characteristic feature of angiosperms (flowering plants) and involves two key processes, syngamy and triple fusion.

1. Understanding Double Fertilization:
   • Double fertilization is the process in which one male gamete fuses with an egg cell to form a zygote (syngamy), and the other male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei to form a triploid cell, which will develop into endosperm (triple fusion).
2. Explanation of Options:
   • Option 1: Fusion of two male gametes of a pollen tube with two different eggs - Incorrect. In double fertilization, one male gamete fuses with the egg, not separate eggs.
   • Option 2: Fusion of two male gametes with one egg - Incorrect. Only one male gamete fuses with one egg cell.
   • Option 3: Fusion of one male gamete with two polar nuclei - Partially Correct. This describes triple fusion but not syngamy.
   • Option 4: Syngamy and triple fusion - Correct. This option accurately describes both processes involved in double fertilization.
3. Conclusion:
   • Therefore, the correct answer is Syngamy and triple fusion, which captures the complete mechanism of double fertilization in angiosperms.

In conclusion, double fertilization ensures both the formation of a diploid zygote and the nourishment of the developing embryo via the triploid endosperm, making it a unique and vital process in the life cycle of flowering plants.