Question

The Antherozoids of Bryophytes possess
(a) 2 flagella
(b) 1 flagella
(c) Multi flagella
(d) No flagella

Answer 1

Hint: It possesses a pair of narrow whip-like appendages that is primarily responsible for the locomotion in the cells of many living organisms. These appendages are mainly characteristic of the protozoan group. The motion of these appendages creates water currents necessary for respiration and circulation in sponges and coelenterates.

Complete answer:
The Antherozoids of Bryophytes possess 2 flagella so we can say that Antherozoids of Bryophytes are biflagellated and have a long coiled body. Antherozoid are also called spermatozoids. These are male gametes produced in the antheridia of bryophytes, fungi, algae, pteridophytes, and some gymnosperms. The number of flagella varies from species to species and can be used as a diagnostic feature of that particular species. The antherozoids generally develop in the antheridium but in some gymnosperms, like ginkgo, they develop from a cell in the pollen tube of the microspore. A long slender nucleus that facilitates entry into the neck of the archegonia bears tape-like cells.

Additional Information:
-The antherozoids are haploid and can move with the use of flagella.
-The antherozoids develop from androcytes or antherozoid mother cells.
-The androcytes or antherozoid mother cells arise from a mass of androgonial cells which are covered by a one-cell thick sterile jacket known as. antheridial body.
-For fertilization, the antherozoids get transferred to archegonia through the water. -Generally, antherozoids develop in an antheridium but in certain gymnosperms, they develop from a cell in the pollen tube for example Ginkgo and Cycas.
-The flagella are sensitive to chemicals and temperatures outside the cell and it also functions as a sensory organelle.
-The cells having one or single flagella are called uniflagellate cells.
-Multi-flagellate: Cells with many flagella are called multi- flagellates. For example, Helicobacter pylori, the ulcer-causing bacterium uses multiple flagella to propel itself through the mucus lining to reach the epithelium in the stomach.

So, the correct answer is, '2 flagella'.

Note:
-The antherozoid mother cells that arise from a mass of androgonial cells give rise to antherozoids.
-The antherozoids are male gametes produced in the antheridia of bryophytes.
-To complete the process of fertilization, the antherozoids get transferred to archegonia through the water.