Question

Explain reproduction in gymnosperms. Medal. :)

Answer 1

In gymnosperms, the cones contain a leafy green sporophyte and male and female gametophytes in the cones; female cones are bigger than male cones and are located higher up in the tree.

A male cone contains microsporophylls where male gametophytes (pollen) are produced and are later carried by wind to female gametophytes.

The megaspore mother cell in the female cone divides by meiosis to produce four haploid megaspores; one of the megaspores divides to form the female gametophyte.

The male gametophyte lands on the female cone, forming a pollen tube through which the generative cell travels to meet the female gametophyte.

One of the two sperm cells released by the generative cell fuses with the egg, forming a diploid zygote that divides to form the embryo.

Unlike angiosperms, ovaries are absent in gymnosperms, double fertilization does not take place, male and female gametophytes are present on cones rather than flowers, and wind (not animals) drives pollination.

Answer 2

Thank you! :D