Question

Which of the following describes the ploidy level of embryo sac or female gametophyte before fertilization?

• A. Egg apparatus is haploid
• B. Polar nuclei are diploid
• C. Antipodal cell are polyploid
• D. Both egg apparatus and antipodal cells are haploid.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Typical angiosperm embryo sac (8-nucleated, 7-celled) consists of:
$1.$ Egg apparatus (3 cells = 2 synergids + 1 egg cell): Towards the micropylar end.
$2.$ Antipodals (3 cells): Towards the chalazal end.
$3.$ Large central cell (1 cell): It possesses 2 polar nuclei.
Embryo sac formed by haploid megaspore, therefore, before fertilization, has ploidy level as haploid.