Question

Which one of the following statements regarding post-fertilization development in flowering plants is incorrect?

• A. Ovary develops into fruit
• B. Zygote develops into embryo
• C. Central cell develops into endosperm
• D. Ovules develop into embryo sac

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To solve this question, we need to analyze the post-fertilization development processes in flowering plants (angiosperms) and identify the incorrect statement.

1. Ovary develops into fruit: After fertilization, the ovary of a flower undergoes changes and matures into a fruit. This is a well-documented fact in plant biology and is a process called fruit formation. This statement is correct.
2. Zygote develops into embryo: In the process, after fertilization, the zygote undergoes cell divisions and develops into an embryo. This forms the new plant within the seed. Thus, this statement is correct.
3. Central cell develops into endosperm: After fertilization, the central cell (which has two polar nuclei) combines with one of the sperm nuclei to form the triploid endosperm. The endosperm provides nutrition to the developing embryo. This statement is correct.
4. Ovules develop into embryo sac: This is the incorrect statement. Initially, the ovule contains the embryo sac, which has the egg cell ready for fertilization. After fertilization, the ovule matures into a seed, not into an embryo sac. Thus, post-fertilization, ovules do not develop into embryo sacs. Instead, they develop into seeds.

Conclusion: The statement "Ovules develop into embryo sac" is incorrect regarding post-fertilization development in flowering plants.