Question

The nucellus of the ovule is:
(A) Haploid
(B) Diploid
(C) Triploid
(D) Polyploidy

Answer 1

Hint: The ovary is the female reproductive organ of the plant in which the ovule is present and it is the female gametophyte. This part converts into the seed after the fertilization. The nucellus is the part of the ovule which has the embryo sac in it.

Complete answer:
The ovule has three parts included in it. They are integuments, nucellus or the megasporangium and the female gametophyte. The nucellus is the part in the ovule which is larger than the other parts in it. This forms the diploid layer of cells that is formed inside the integuments. In this nucellus, the megasporocyte is present. And this part undergoes cell division of meiosis.

The nucellus encloses the embryo sac and this acts as the nutritive tissue to the nucleus and the embryo sac. The fusion of the male gamete pollen grains and the female gametophyte is called fertilization. After the process of fertilization, the embryo is formed inside the embryo sac. This nucellus is also helpful in providing the nutrients for the growth of the embryo. Hence the nucellus of the ovule is diploid in nature.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Note: In some plants which undergo asexual means of reproduction, the diploid cells of nucellus may give rise to the embryo formation by the fusion with the haploid cell of the female gametophyte. In sexual reproduction, it is converted into the perisperm and feeds the embryo for the growth.