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(i) Describe the development of pollen grains from microspore mother cells - Leaving Cert Biology - Question b - 2010
Question b
(i) Describe the development of pollen grains from microspore mother cells. (ii) What is meant by the term fertilisation? (iii) Give a brief account of the process... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(i) Describe the development of pollen grains from microspore mother cells - Leaving Cert Biology - Question b - 2010
Step 1
Describe the development of pollen grains from microspore mother cells.
Answer
The development of pollen grains begins with the microspore mother cells, which undergo meiosis to produce four haploid microspores. Each of these microspores subsequently divides by mitosis to form a pollen grain, comprising a generative nucleus and a tube nucleus. As the pollen grain matures, it develops a thick wall that eventually becomes the outer protective layer.
Step 2
Step 3
Give a brief account of the process of fertilisation in flowering plants.
Answer
In flowering plants, the fertilisation process involves the generative nucleus undergoing mitosis to produce two male gametes. One of these gametes fuses with the egg cell to form a zygote, while the other male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei to form the endosperm. This dual fertilisation ensures both the formation of the embryo and the nourishment of the developing seed.