Question

In an embryo sac, the cells that degenerate after fertilisation are:
a. Synergids and primary endosperm cell
b. Synergids and antipodals
c. Antipodals and primary endosperm cell
d. Egg and antipodals.


NCERT Class XII
Biology - Main Course Book

Chapter 2. Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

Answer 1

In an embryo sac, the cells that degenerate after fertilization are:
b. Synergids and antipodals.

Answer 2

Answer:

b) Synergids and antipodals.

Explanation:

Synergids are associated with the egg cell in the embryo sac. During fertilization, a ‘pollen tube’ grows into the synergids and the synergids are thought to help transport the pollen nucleus to the egg cell for fertilization.  

Once it is fertilized, the synergids function is over and it degrades. The antipodal cells are nutritive and they ‘nourish the embryo sac’ and help in the ‘growth and development’ of the endosperm. Once fertilization occurs, the antipodal cells degrade.