Question

Which of the following statements are true.
a. Endothecium lies below epidermis.
B. Fusion of egg with male gamete is called apogamy.
C. Synergids are haploids.
D. Point at which funicle touches the ovule is raphe.
A. a and d only
B. a and b only
C. b and d only
D. a and c only
E. b and c only

Answer 1

Hint: Epidermis is the outermost layer of the anther. It is a very thin layer and sometimes small hair like structures comes out of it which is single celled. Synergid cells are present in the embryo sac of the micropylar pole.

Complete answer:
Anther is the male reproductive organ of plants, which participate in the sexual reproduction of the plants. It has four layers that is:
> Epidermis
> Endothecium
> Middle layer
> Tapetum
Endothecium is present next to epidermis thus, statement (a) is correct.
Fusion of male gamete that Is, pollen with the female gamete that is, ovule is known as syngamy or fertilisation and this results in the formation of a diploid cell called as zygote. Thus, statement (b) is not correct.
Synergid cells are two special cells which are present with the egg cell in the female gametophyte or ovary. They play a very important role in formation of pollen tube and guidance of pollen tube. Thus, statement (c) is also correct.
Special point where funiculus touches the ovule is known as Hilum not raphe. Thus, statement (d) is also not correct.

So, now we can say that only statements (a) and (c) are correct and hence, option ‘D’ is the correct option.

Note: Epidermis layer is the outermost layer and it is a very thin layer having a single layer. After this a layer known as Endothecium, after which a multi-layer called as middle layer is present and then at last tapetum is present which is also a single layer and these all layers form a complex structure which provides a protective function to the anther.