What is the role of the generative cell within a pollen grain of an angiosperm?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the function of the generative cell inside the pollen grain of angiosperms (flowering plants). You need to know what the generative cell does during plant reproduction to answer correctly.
Answer
The generative cell divides to produce two sperm cells for fertilization.
The generative cell in angiosperms divides to form two sperm cells. These sperm cells are essential for fertilization, as one sperm fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote, and the other fuses with the central cell to form the endosperm, which nourishes the developing embryo.
Answer for screen readers
The generative cell in angiosperms divides to form two sperm cells. These sperm cells are essential for fertilization, as one sperm fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote, and the other fuses with the central cell to form the endosperm, which nourishes the developing embryo.
More Information
This double fertilization process is unique to angiosperms.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the roles of the generative cell and the tube cell. The generative cell produces sperm, while the tube cell forms the pollen tube for sperm delivery.
Sources
- 2.6.3.2: Angiosperm Life Cycle - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
- Sexual Reproduction in Angiosperms | Biology for Majors II - courses.lumenlearning.com
- 26.3C: The Life Cycle of an Angiosperm - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
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