What cellular events occur during the formation of male microgametophytes (mature pollen)?
Understand the Problem
The question asks to identify the cellular events that occur during the formation of male microgametophytes (mature pollen). This means understanding the process of microsporogenesis and microgametogenesis in plants, specifically focusing on the development of pollen grains from microspore mother cells.
Answer
Microsporocytes undergo meiosis to form microspores, which then undergo mitosis, resulting in a generative cell and a tube cell. The generative cell divides again to create two sperm cells.
During the formation of male microgametophytes (mature pollen), microsporocytes undergo meiosis to produce four haploid microspores. Each microspore then undergoes mitosis to produce two cells: a generative cell and a tube cell. The generative cell will later divide to form two sperm cells.
Answer for screen readers
During the formation of male microgametophytes (mature pollen), microsporocytes undergo meiosis to produce four haploid microspores. Each microspore then undergoes mitosis to produce two cells: a generative cell and a tube cell. The generative cell will later divide to form two sperm cells.
More Information
The mature microgametophyte typically consists of three cells: two sperm cells and one tube cell. The tube cell's primary function is to facilitate the delivery of sperm cells to the ovule by forming a pollen tube.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse mitosis and meiosis. Meiosis produces four haploid cells, while mitosis divides a cell into two identical daughter cells.
Sources
- Male Gametophyte - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- 2.6.3.2: Angiosperm Life Cycle - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
- Male Gametophyte - courses.lumenlearning.com
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