The Question is from neet-botany sexual-reproduction-in-flowering-plants pre-fertilization-structure-and-events, and it was created by the author D VINOD

Question

A researcher observes a plant species where the generative cell undergoes mitosis before pollination, resulting in two sperm cells within the pollen grain.  How might this unusual characteristic affect double fertilization?

D VINOD · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Double fertilization in flowering plants
 **Related Topics**: Plant reproduction, mitosis, meiosis, pollen development, endosperm
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of the typical double fertilization process in angiosperms.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The generative cell undergoes mitosis *before* pollination, producing two sperm cells within the pollen grain.
  Normal double fertilization involves one sperm fertilizing the egg and the other fertilizing the polar nuclei to form the endosperm.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the impact of having two sperm cells available before fertilization.
  Reasoning:  Normally, the generative cell undergoes mitosis *after* pollination within the pollen tube.  Having two sperm cells already present before pollination changes the timing and availability of sperm cells.
 2. Consider potential outcomes of having two sperm available simultaneously upon pollen tube arrival.
  Working: With two sperm present, there's an increased chance of one sperm fertilizing the egg (as usual) and the other sperm fertilizing a synergid cell (a cell in the ovule that guides the pollen tube) instead of the polar nuclei.
  Key Point: Synergids play a role in pollen tube guidance and are usually not fertilized in normal double fertilization.
 3. Evaluate the consequences of such an event on endosperm development.
  Result: Fertilization of a synergid instead of the polar nuclei will disrupt the normal process of endosperm formation. The endosperm is crucial for nutrient supply to the developing embryo.  Abnormal endosperm development may lead to seed abortion or abnormal seed development.
  Verification: The other options are less likely.  Double fertilization is still possible, but with an altered outcome.  It won't necessarily enhance or prevent double fertilization, and it's unlikely to have no impact.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Preventing double fertilization is unlikely; the process might proceed but with unintended consequences.
B :x:  Having two sperm cells ready doesn't automatically enhance efficiency; it creates the potential for errors.
C ✓:  This accurately reflects the possibility of a synergid being fertilized instead of the polar nuclei, leading to disrupted endosperm development.
D :x: The change in the generative cell's mitotic timing directly affects fertilization events.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Assuming that having two sperm cells always leads to a more efficient double fertilization.
  [How to avoid]: Consider the potential for errors due to the altered timing and increased number of sperm cells.
  2. Overlooking the role of synergid cells in the fertilization process.
  [How to avoid]: Thoroughly understand all components involved in double fertilization.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Visualize the process of double fertilization and how altering the number or timing of sperm cells might change the outcome.
  2. Remember that the endosperm is essential for seed development; any disruption in its formation will have significant consequences.

D VINOD · Answer

Prevent double fertilization from occurring.

D VINOD · Answer

Enhance the efficiency of double fertilization.

D VINOD · Answer

The correct Option is "Potentially lead to the fertilization of both the egg cell and a synergid, disrupting endosperm development."

D VINOD · Answer

Have no significant impact on the process of double fertilization.

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