Question

Identify the correct ratio of microspore mother cells, vegetative cells, generative cells and male gametes produced in a microsporangium, if 40 pollen grains are released from it.

• A. \(1:1:1:1\)
• B. \(1:2:2:1\)
• C. \(2:1:1:4\)
• D. \(1:4:4:8\)

Hint:

Work backward from 40 pollen grains to the number of mother cells, then count the cells in each type.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Each microspore mother cell forms 4 microspores, and each microspore becomes one pollen grain with one vegetative and one generative cell. The generative cell divides to form 2 male gametes.

Step 2: Calculation
Pollen grains = 40.
Microspore mother cells = \(40 \div 4 = 10\).
Vegetative cells = 40.
Generative cells = 40.
Male gametes = \(40 \times 2 = 80\).

Step 3: Find the ratio
\(10 : 40 : 40 : 80 = 1 : 4 : 4 : 8\).

Final Answer:
The ratio is \(1:4:4:8\). \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }1:4:4:8} \]