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 l Competency-Focused Questions

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l NCERT Textbook & Exemplar Questions

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 Contents
PART–A

1. Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 7

2. Human Reproduction 61

3. Reproductive Health 115

4. Principles of Inheritance and Variation 139

5. Molecular Basis of Inheritance 211

6. Evolution 287

7. Human Health and Diseases 327

8. Microbes in Human Welfare 377

9. Biotechnology: Principles and Processes 407

10. Biotechnology and its Applications 455

11. Organisms and Populations 487

12. Ecosystem 519

13. Biodiversity and Conservation 545

 PART–B

n CBSE Sample Question Paper–2024 (Solved) 575

n CBSE Examination Paper–2024 [Code: 57/5/3 (Solved)] 590

n CBSE Examination Paper–2024 [Code: 57/1/2 (Unsolved)] 603

n CBSE Examination Paper–2024 [Code: 57/2/1 (Unsolved)] 610

n CBSE Examination Paper–2024 [Code: 57/3/3 (Unsolved)] 615

n CBSE Examination Paper–2024 [Code: 57/4/3 (Unsolved)] 621

 Syllabus
CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION, NEW DELHI
BIOLOGY (Theory)
CLASS–XII (2024-25)
One paper Time: 3 hours 70 marks

Unit Title Marks

VI Reproduction 16

VII Genetics and Evolution 20

VIII Biology and Human Welfare 12

IX Biotechnology and its Applications 12

X Ecology and Environment 10

Total 70

Unit-VI Reproduction

Chapter-2: Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

Flower structure; development of male and female gametophytes; pollination - types, agents and
examples; outbreeding devices; pollen-pistil interaction; double fertilization; post fertilization
events - development of endosperm and embryo, development of seed and formation of fruit,
types of fruits; special modes- apomixis, parthenocarpy, polyembryony; Significance of seed
dispersal and fruit formation.

Chapter-3: Human Reproduction

Male and female reproductive systems; microscopic anatomy of testis and ovary; gametogenesis-
spermatogenesis and oogenesis; menstrual cycle; fertilisation, embryo development upto
blastocyst formation, implantation; pregnancy and placenta formation (elementary idea);
parturition (elementary idea); lactation (elementary idea).

Chapter-4: Reproductive Health

Need for reproductive health and prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs); birth
control - need and methods, contraception and medical termination of pregnancy (MTP);
amniocentesis; infertility and assisted reproductive technologies - IVF, ZIFT, GIFT (elementary
idea for general awareness).
Unit-VII Genetics and Evolution

Chapter-5: Principles of Inheritance and Variation

Heredity and variation: Mendelian inheritance; deviations from Mendelism – incomplete

dominance, co-dominance, multiple alleles and inheritance of blood groups, pleiotropy; elementary
idea of polygenic inheritance; chromosome theory of inheritance; chromosomes and genes; Sex
determination - in humans, birds and honey bee; linkage and crossing over; sex linked inheritance
- haemophilia, colour blindness; Mendelian disorders in humans - thalassemia; chromosomal
disorders in humans; Down’s syndrome, Turner’s and Klinefelter’s syndromes.

Chapter-6: Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Search for genetic material and DNA as genetic material; Structure of DNA and RNA; DNA
packaging; DNA replication; Central Dogma; transcription, genetic code, translation; gene
expression and regulation - lac operon; Genome, Human and rice genome projects; DNA
fingerprinting.

Chapter-7: Evolution

Origin of life; biological evolution and evidences for biological evolution (paleontology,
comparative anatomy, embryology and molecular evidences); Darwin’s contribution, modern
synthetic theory of evolution; mechanism of evolution - variation (mutation and recombination)
and natural selection with examples, types of natural selection; Gene flow and genetic drift; Hardy
- Weinberg’s principle; adaptive radiation; human evolution.

Unit-VIII Biology and Human Welfare

Chapter-8: Human Health and Diseases

Pathogens; parasites causing human diseases (malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filariasis, ascariasis,
typhoid, pneumonia, common cold, amoebiasis, ring worm) and their control; Basic concepts of
immunology - vaccines; cancer, HIV and AIDS; Adolescence - drug and alcohol abuse.

Chapter-10: Microbes in Human Welfare

Microbes in food processing, industrial production, sewage treatment, energy generation and
microbes as bio-control agents and bio-fertilizers. Antibiotics; production and judicious use.

Unit-IX Biotechnology and its Applications

Chapter-11: Biotechnology - Principles and Processes

Genetic Engineering (Recombinant DNA Technology).

Chapter-12: Biotechnology and its Applications

Application of biotechnology in health and agriculture: Human insulin and vaccine production,
stem cell technology, gene therapy; genetically modified organisms - Bt crops; transgenic animals;
biosafety issues, biopiracy and patents.

Unit-X Ecology and Environment

Chapter-13: Organisms and Populations

Population interactions - mutualism, competition, predation, parasitism; population attributes

- growth, birth rate and death rate, age distribution. (Topics excluded: Organism and its
Environment, Major Aboitic Factors, Responses to Abioitic Factors, Adaptations)

Chapter-14: Ecosystem

Ecosystems: Patterns, components; productivity and decomposition; energy flow; pyramids of

number, biomass, energy (Topics excluded: Ecological Succession and Nutrient Cycles)

Chapter-15: Biodiversity and its Conservation

Biodiversity-Concept, patterns, importance; loss of biodiversity; biodiversity conservation;

hotspots, endangered organisms, extinction, Red Data Book, Sacred Groves, biosphere reserves,
national parks, wildlife, sanctuaries and Ramsar sites.
 Design of Question Paper
BIOLOGY (044)
CLASS–XII (2024-25)
S. No. Competencies %

1. Demonstrate, Knowledge and Understanding 50

2. Application of Knowledge / Concepts 30

3. Analyse, Evaluate and Create 20

Note:
O  ypology of questions: VSA including MCQs, Assertion – Reasoning type questions; SA; LA-I; LA-II;
T
Source-based/Case-based/Passage-based/Integrated assessment questions.
O An internal choice of approximately 33% would be provided.

Suggestive verbs for various competencies

O  emonstrate, Knowledge and Understanding
D
State, name, list, identify, define, suggest, describe, outline, summarize, etc.
O Application of Knowledge/Concepts
Calculate, illustrate, show, adapt, explain, distinguish, etc.
O Analyze, Evaluate and Create
Interpret, analyse, compare, contrast, examine, evaluate, discuss, construct, etc.

The changes for class XI-XII year-end/Board Examinations (2024-25)

Particulars Academic Session 2023-24 Academic Session 2024-25
  ompetency Focused Questions
C Competency Focused Questions in the
 
in the form of MCQs/Case form of MCQs/Case Based Questions,
Based Questions, Source-based Source-based Integrated Questions or
Composition of Integrated Questions or any other any other type = 50%
question paper type = 40%
for year-end
Select response type questions
  Select response type questions (MCQ)
 
examination/ (MCQ) = 20% = 20%
Board Examination
(Theory) Constructed response questions
  Constructed response questions
 
(Short Answer Questions/Long (Short Answer Questions/Long Answer
Answer type Questions, as per type Questions, as per existing pattern)
existing pattern) = 40% = 30%
 PART–A
S Points to Remember
S NCERT Textbook Questions
S Competency-Focused Questions (As per NEP)
Z Multiple Choice Questions
Z Assertion-Reason Questions
Z Passage-based/Case-based/Source-based Questions

S Conceptual Questions
S Constructed Response Questions (As per NEP)
Z Short Answer Questions
Z Long Answer Questions–I
Z Long Answer Questions–II

S Questions for Practice

 1 Sexual Reproduction
in Flowering Plants

1. Parts of Flower
Q In a flower, four different sets of whorls or floral members are attached to a central axis called
thalamus.
Q The outermost and the first accessory whorl is sepals and is called calyx.
Q The second accessory whorl is petals and is called corolla.
Q Next to the corolla, is the male reproductive whorl called stamens (androecium).
Q The female reproductive whorl is carpels and is also called gynoecium or pistil.
Q Calyx and corolla are the non-essential whorls while androecium and gynoecium are the essential
whorls.

Stigma

Style Petal
Anther
Pistil Stamen
Filament

Sepal
Ovary
Ovule
Thalamus

Fig. 1.1 A diagrammatic representation of L.S. of a flower

2. Functions of Floral Parts

Q Calyx
(i) The main function is to protect the flower in bud condition.
(ii) When green, it is photosynthetic in nature.
(iii) When coloured, it attracts insects for pollination.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 7

Q Corolla
(i) The corolla provides colour and scent to attract pollinators.
(ii) Sometimes the base of corolla bears some secretory glands and secretes nectar. They also
provide protection to the plant.
Q Androecium: Its main function is the production of microspores, i.e., pollen grains containing male
gametes within the anther lobe.
Q Gynoecium: The function of gynoecium is the production of megaspores, eggs, fruits and seeds.

3. Male Reproductive Unit

Q Stamen is the male reproductive unit and consists of the following two parts:
(i) A long and slender stalk called filament.
(ii) A bilobed terminal structure called anther.

Structure of Anther
Q It is composed of two anther sacs or lobes separated by a tissue called connective tissue.
Q The anther is bilobed and each lobe or sac consists of two theca separated by a septum.
Q The anther is a tetragonal (four-sided) structure, consisting of four microsporangia, two in each of
the lobes.
Q Microsporangia develop and get transformed into pollen sacs.

(a) (b)

Fig. 1.2 (a) A typical stamen; (b) Transverse section of an anther

Structure of Microsporangium
Q A typical microsporangium appears circular and is surrounded by four walls:
(i) Epidermis: It is the outermost single layer of cell which is protective in nature.
(ii) Endothecium: It is the second layer with thick cells, help in dehiscence and is protective in
nature.
(iii) Middle layer: It is the third layer composed of 1−3 layers of cells, help in dehiscence and is
protective in nature.
(iv) Tapetum: It is the fourth and innermost layer of cell with dense cytoplasm and many nuclei. It
provides nourishment to the developing pollen grains.

8 Xam idea Biology–XII

Q The centre of each microsporangium is filled with closely arranged similar cells called sporogenous
cells.
Q At maturity, pollen sac is formed by fusion of two microsporangium in each lobe.
Q A mature anther dehisces by slits and liberate the pollen grains.

Microspore
mother cells

(a) (b)

Fig. 1.3 (a) Transverse section of a young anther;

(b) Enlarged view of one microsporangium showing wall layers

Microsporogenesis
Q The process of formation of microspore from a pollen mother cell by meiosis is called
microsporogenesis.

Epidermis
Endothecium
Connective tissue

Pollen grains
Dehiscence

Fig. 1.4 T.S. of mature dehisced anther with pollen grains

Q Each cell of the sporogenous tissue in a microsporangium acts as a potential pollen mother cell
(PMC) or microspore mother cell.
Q PMC undergoes meiotic divisions to form cluster of four cells called microspore tetrad.
Q On maturity, the anther dehydrates and the microspores separate from each other to form pollen
grains with two layered wall—outer hard exine and inner intine.

Pollen Grains
Q Pollen grains are generally spherical in structure.
Q They possess two prominent wall layers—outer exine and inner intine.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 9

Q The exine is a hard layer made of sporopollenin which is one of the most resistant organic material
present in nature. It can withstand high temperature and strong acids and alkalis. Even enzymes
cannot degrade sporopollenin and hence pollens are preserved as fossils.
Q The inner thin layer of intine is made up of cellulose and pectin.
Q The exine has aperture where sporopollenin is absent, called germ pores.
Q The newly differentiated pollen grain has a central nucleus and dense cytoplasm.
Q Pollen grain is the first cell of a male gametophyte.
Q The protoplast increases in size and mitotically divides into two unequal cells—(a) bigger vegetative
cell which is rich in food reserve and large irregularly shaped nucleus, and (b) smaller spindle-shaped
generative cell with dense cytoplasm and a nucleus. This is called the 2-celled stage.
Q In majority angiosperms, pollens are released in this 2-celled stage, whereas in other species, the
generative cell divides into 2 male gametes and thus pollen is said to be in 3-celled stage.

Meiosis

Microspore/
Pollen mother cell Microspore separated
Microspore tetrad

(a)

Generative cell

Vegetative
cell
Mitosis

2 male
gametes
Vegetative
cell 3-celled pollen
Mature pollen grain
(b) (2-celled pollen) (in some plant species)

Fig. 1.5 (a) Enlarged view of a pollen grain tetrad;

      (b) Stages of a microspore maturing into a pollen grain

Importance of pollen grains

O They contain male gametes for sexual reproduction.
O These are nutrient-rich and thus are taken as food supplements.
O Pollens can be stored for years in liquid nitrogen at –196°C, to be used later in crop breeding
programmes.
O They may cause allergies and bronchial afflictions in some people leading to asthma, bronchitis,
etc.

4. Female Reproductive Unit

Q The pistil or gynoecium represents the female reproductive unit of a flower.
Q The gynoecium may have single pistil (called monocarpellary), more than two pistils (called
multicarpellary), fused pistils (called syncarpous) or free pistils (called apocarpous).

10 Xam idea Biology–XII

 Free
carpels

(a) (b) (c)

  Fig. 1.6 (a) Pistil of Hibiscus; (b) Multicarpellary, syncarpous pistil of Papaver;
    (c) A multicarpellary, apocarpous gynoecium of Michelia

Table 1.1: Parts of pistil and their functions

S. No. Parts Functions
(i) Stigma It receives the pollen grains. It has sticky surface and pollen grains get stuck to it
during pollination.

(ii) Style It is an elongated slender part beneath the stigma, that connects the stigma with
ovary. It holds the stigma to receive the pollen grains. It is through the style that the
pollen tube grows and reaches the ovule.

(iii) Ovary It is the basal swollen part of pistil that contains ovules and eggs.

Q Inside the ovary there is a compartment called ovarian cavity or locule separated by septum.
Q Placenta is the tissue in ovarian cavity from where ovule or megasporangium arise.

Structure of Megasporangium (Ovule)

Q The ovule is stalked and is attached to the placenta by means of a stalk called funicle.
Q The junction between an ovule and a funicle is called hilum. Sometimes, the funicle extends beyond
the hilum to form a ridge called raphae.
Q The ovule is surrounded by one or two protective multicellular integuments.
Q Integument encircles the ovule entirely except at the tip, resulting in a small opening called
micropyle.
Q The basal part of an ovule opposite to micropyle is called chalaza.
Q The cells with high or abundant reserve food material enclosed within integument is called
nucellus.
Q The female gametophyte located within the nucellus is called an embryo sac.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 11

 Chalaza

Outer
integument

Nucellus

Inner
integument
Antipodal cells
Central cell
Embryo sac
Polar nuclei

Egg (Oosphere)

Synergids

Vascular strand

Integuments Hilum

Micropyle Funiculus

Fig. 1.7 A diagrammatic view of a typical anatropous ovule

Megasporogenesis
Q The process of formation of haploid megaspores from the diploid megaspore mother cell (MMC) is
called megasporogenesis.
Q In the micropylar region, the nucellus contains cells with dense cytoplasm and prominent nucleus
which is differentiated into a single MMC.
Q MMC is diploid and undergoes meiosis.
Q MMC first divides transversely into two cells called dyad.
Q These two cells again divide transversely, as a result a linear row of four haploid cells is produced
which is called megaspore tetrad or linear tetrad.
Q Out of these four megaspores, only one remains functional while the other three degenerate.
Q The one functional megaspore develops into the female gametophyte or embryo sac. This is called
monosporic development.

Megagametogenesis
Q The maturation of female gametophyte (embryo sac) is called megagametogenesis.
(i) Megaspore is the first cell of the female gametophyte.
(ii) The megaspore increases in size and its nucleus divides mitotically into two nuclei which move
apart to opposite poles. Thus, a 2-nucleate embryo sac is formed.
(iii) The two daughter nuclei undergo another mitotic division giving rise to the 4-nucleate stage.
(iv) The third mitotic division gives rise to 8-nucleate 7-celled embryo sac.
(v) After the 8-nucleate stage, cell walls are laid down leading to the organisation of the typical
female gametophyte or embryo sac.
(vi) Six of the eight nuclei, are surrounded by cell walls.
(vii) The central cell contains 2 nuclei known as polar nuclei.
(viii) The three nuclei at the micropylar region form the egg apparatus.

12 Xam idea Biology–XII

 (ix) In the egg apparatus, the middle cell is the largest and is called oosphere/egg/ovum, while
other two cells adjoining the egg cell are called synergids.
(x) The three nuclei at the chalazal end are surrounded by cytoplasm and cellular wall. These are
called antipodal cells.
(xi) Female gametophyte is 7 celled, 8 nucleate as it consist of 7 cells but 8 nuclei (2 nuclei in polar
cell).

(a)

(b)

(c)
Fig. 1.8 (a) Parts of the ovule showing a large megaspore mother cell, a dyad and a tetrad of megaspores;
(b) 2, 4 and 8-nucleate stages of embryo sac and a mature embryo sac;
(c) A diagrammatic representation of the mature embryo sac

5. Pollination
Q The transfer of pollen grains from anther and their deposition over stigma of the pistil is termed as
pollination. Depending upon sources of pollen grains, pollination is of three types.

Autogamy Geitonogamy Xenogamy/Allogamy

1. The transfer of pollen grains is 1. The transfer of pollen grains is 1. The transfer of pollen grains is
from anther to stigma of the from anther of one flower to the from anther of one flower to the
same flower, e.g., pea, rice, stigma of another flower of stigma of another flower of
wheat, etc. It is self-pollination. same plant, e.g., Cucurbita. different plant, e.g., Papaya,
2. Brings pollen with similar 2. It is functionally cross-pollination maize.
genetic constitution on stigma. but genetically similar to 2. Brings genetically different
autogamy. types of pollen grains to stigma.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 13

Contrivances or Devices for Self-pollination (Autogamy)
Q Cross-pollination can be prevented by exhibiting
(i) Cleistogamous flowers: These are bisexual closed flowers which never open and the anthers
dehisce inside these closed flowers, e.g., Commelina and produce seed set even in absence of
pollinators.
(ii) Homogamy: It is the condition of the maturity of anther and stigma at the same time, i.e.,
synchrony in pollen release and stigma receptivity. e.g., Catharanthus (Vinca).
(iii) Close association between anther and stigma, e.g., Mirabilis.
Advantages of Self-pollination
(i) Pure breed of parents is maintained.
(ii) Large numbers of pollen grains are not required for pollination.
(iii) Seed production is ensured.
(iv) Plants do not need to develop mechanisms for attracting pollinators.
Disadvantages of Self-pollination
(i) Variations are not introduced in the progeny.
(ii) Vitality of the seeds decreases with time.
(iii) Adaptability to changing environment is reduced.

Contrivances or Devices for Cross-pollination (Xenogamy/Allogamy)

Q Self-pollination can be prevented by exhibiting
(i) Dicliny or Unisexuality: Male and female flowers are separate. Dioecious condition is seen in
papaya.
(ii) Dichogamy: The condition in which the stamens and stigma of a bisexual flower mature at
different times. It is of two types:
(a) Protandry: This is the condition where anthers mature earlier than the stigma and release
pollens.
(b) Protogyny: This is the condition where the stigma matures earlier than the anther.
(iii) Self-sterility or self-incompatibility: It is a genetic mechanism that prevents self-pollination.
Pollen grains of a flower do not germinate on stigma of same flower due to similar sterile genes.
(iv) Chasmogamous flowers: These are open flowers with exposed stamens and stigma which
facilitate cross-pollination.
Advantages of cross-pollination:
(i) Variation in the progeny is introduced through recombination.
(ii) The progenies have better adaptability to changing environment.
(iii) Plants develop new traits like disease resistance.
(iv) The defective characters are eliminated over the generations.
Disadvantages of cross-pollination:
(i) Large numbers of pollen grains need to produced of which most are lost during the process of
pollination.
(ii) There is always a chance that pollination may not occur.
(iii) It is less economical.

14 Xam idea Biology–XII

Adaptation for Water Pollination/Hydrophily
Q The form of pollination in which pollens are
distributed by water is called hydrophily.
Q It is very common in algae, bryophytes,
pteridophytes and some angiosperms.
Q Vallisneria and Hydrilla are submerged
freshwater hydrophytes in which hydrophily is
observed.
Q In sea-grasses (e.g., Zostera), female flowers are
submerged in water to receive pollen grains
for pollination inside water. Pollens are long,
needle-like and are carried passively by water. Fig. 1.9 Pollination by water in Vallisneria
Q In Vallisneria, the female flower stalk is long to
reach the water surface to receive the pollen grains carried by water currents and the stalks coil up
after pollination.
Q Pollen grains are protected from wetting by the presence of a mucilaginous covering.
Q Flowers are not very colourful and do not produce nectar.

Adaptation for Wind Pollination/Anemophily

Q The form of pollination in which wind distributes the pollens is called anemophily.
Q Pollen grains are light in weight, non-sticky, dry and may be winged as in Pinus.
Q Stamens are well-exposed for easy dispersal of pollen grains in the wind.
Q The stigma is sticky, large and feathery to trap pollen grains floating in the air, e.g., tassels in corn cob.
Q Numerous flowers are packed together to form inflorescence.
Q Single ovule is present in each ovary. Flowers are not very colourful and do not produce nectar.

Fig. 1.10 A wind-pollinated plant showing compact Fig. 1.11 Insect pollination
inflorescence and well-exposed stamens

Adaptation for Insect Pollination/Entomophily

Q The form of pollination in which insects distribute pollens is called entomophily.
Q Flowers are large, sticky and brightly coloured.
Q If small, number of flowers are clustered into inflorescence to make them conspicuous.
Q They have honey and nectar glands, which are highly fragrant to attract insects.
Q The pollen grain surface is sticky due to exine layer and stigma is sticky due to mucilaginous secretion.
Q The flowers offer floral rewards like nectar and pollen grains for pollination to insects.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 15

Q In some species, floral rewards provide safe place to lay eggs, e.g., Amorphophallus.
Q The flower sometimes secrete foul odour to attract insects like flies and beetles.

6. Pollen−Pistil Interaction
Q All the events from pollen deposition on the stigma until the entry of the pollen tubes into the ovule
are together called pollen–pistil interactions.

(Secondary nucleus)

Hilum

(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 1.12 (a) L.S. of pistil showing path of pollen tube growth;
(b) Enlarged view of an egg apparatus showing entry of pollen tube into a synergid;
(c) Discharge of male gametes into a synergid and the movements of the sperms, one into the egg and the
other into the central cell

Q It is a dynamic process involving pollen recognition by stigma/pistil for compatible pollen.

Q Incompatible pollens or sterile pollens are rejected by the pistil and do not allow growth of pollen
tube.
Q Compatible pollens are encouraged by pistil for growth and development of pollen tubes.
Q The pollen tube grows through stigma and style to reach the ovary.
Q It then enters the ovule through micropyle and reaches the synergids, guided by filiform apparatus.

7. Artificial Hybridisation
Q Commonly used technique in plant breeding programmes to obtain desirable characters.
Q Anthers are removed from the bisexual flowers using forceps. This is emasculation and is done
before the anther dehisces.
Q The emasculated flower is covered with a paper bag to prevent contamination from unwanted
pollens. This is called bagging.
Q On attaining maturity, mature pollens from desirable plant are dusted on stigma of bagged flower
and rebagged for fruit development.

8. Double Fertilisation/Triple Fusion

Q On reaching synergid, pollen tube releases the two male gametes into cytoplasm of synergid.
Q One of the male gamete fuses with egg nucleus to form a diploid cell called zygote. This event is
called syngamy.
Q Other male gamete fuses with polar nuclei at the centre to produce a triploid primary endosperm
nucleus (PEN). This is termed as triple fusion.

16 Xam idea Biology–XII

Q As syngamy and triple fusion take place simultaneously in the embryo sac, it is termed as double
fertilisation.
Q The central cell after triple fusion forms primary endosperm cell (PEC) which later develops into
endosperm.
Q The zygote later develops into an embryo.

9. Post-fertilisation Events
Q The following events after double fertilisation are collectively called post-fertilisation events:
(i) Development of endosperm from primary endosperm nucleus (PEN).
(ii) Development of embryo from zygote.
(iii) Development of seeds from ovule.
(iv) Development of fruit from ovary.
Endosperm Development
Q Endosperm develops first, followed by an embryo.
Q Endosperm develops from PEN.
Q PEN undergoes successive nuclear divisions to give rise to free nuclei and this stage of endosperm
development is called free nuclear endosperm.
Q Subsequently, cell wall is formed on the periphery and endosperm becomes cellular. It is now called
cellular endosperm.
Functions
(i) The cells of endosperm tissue are triploid and filled with reserve food material to nourish the
developing embryo.
(ii) The water of tender coconut in the centre is free-nuclear endosperm and white kernel in the
outer part is the multicellular endosperm.
(iii) The endosperm may be completely consumed by the developing embryo, e.g., pea, beans, or it
may persist in mature seed, e.g., coconut.

Embryo Development
Q Early development of embryo from the zygote is called embryogeny.
Q Embryo develops from zygote at the micropylar end of embryo sac.
Q The nutrition for development is provided by endosperm.
Q The zygote divides mitotically to form proembryo.
Q The different stages of the developing proembryo are globular and heart-shaped embryo, which
finally forms mature embryo.
Embryogeny in Dicots
Q The zygote undergoes transverse division forming a large basal cell and a small apical or terminal cell.
Q The large basal cell enlarges and undergoes transverse division to from a group of 6–10 cells called
suspensor.
Q The first cell of the suspensor towards the micropylar end is called haustorium, whereas the last cell
of the suspensor towards the chalazal end is called hypophysis that later develops into radicle.
Q The smaller terminal or apical cell undergoes one vertical division. The two cells formed from
terminal cell divide by a transverse division thus forming four embryonal cell (quadrant stage).

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 17

 Basal
cell

Apical
cell

Mature dicot embryo

(a)
(b) (c)

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

Scutellum
(v) (vi) (vii) (viii)

Coleoptile

Shoot apex

Epiblast

Radicle
Root cap
Coleorrhiza
(d) Mature monocot embryo

Fig. 1.13 (a) Fertilised embryo sac showing zygote and primary endosperm nucleus (PEN);
(b) Stages in embryo development in a dicot [shown in reduced size as compared to (a)
   (c) Mature dicot embryo
   (d) Stages in embryo development in a monocot

Q Finally these four cells divide vertically forming 8-celled proembryo (octate stage). Four cells at the
apex give rise to plumule and another four give rise to hypocotyl except its tip.

18 Xam idea Biology–XII

 Structure of dicotyledonous embryo
(i) A typical dicotyledonous embryo consists of an embryonal axis
and two cotyledons.
(ii) The portion of embryonal axis above the level of cotyledon is
called epicotyl, which develops into plumule or baby shoot
(future shoot).
(iii) The cylindrical portion below the level of cotyledon is the
hypocotyl, which develops into radicle or root tip (future root).
(iv) The root tip is often covered with a root cap (calyptra).
Fig. 1.14 A typical dicot embryo
(v) Mango, apple, radish, rose, etc., are some dicot plants.
Structure of monocotyledonous embryo
(i) A typical monocotyledonous embryo consists of one cotyledon.
(ii) The cotyledon is situated on one side (lateral) of the embryonal axis and is called scutellum.
(iii) The radicle and root cap are situated at the lower end of embryonal axis in an undifferentiated
sheath called coleorrhiza.
(iv) The shoot apex and few leaf primordia are enclosed in a hollow foliar structure in epicotyl
region called coleoptile.
(v) The portion of the embryonal axis above the level of attachment of scutellum is called epicotyl.
(vi) Grass, banana, bamboo, palm, etc., are some monocot plants.

Seed Development
Q Seed is a fertilised ovule which is the final product of sexual reproduction.
Q It consists of the following:
(i) Seed coat(s): 1–2 in number, having an opening called micropyle. Outer integument forms
outer seed coat (testa) and inner integument forms inner seed coat (tegmen).
(ii) Cotyledons: 1–2 in number and rich in reserve food material.
(iii) Embryonal axis

Non-albuminous on Ex-albuminous Albuminous

(Non-endospermous) (Endospermous)

Q Sometimes in the seed, nucellus may persist. This is called perisperm, e.g., in black pepper.
Q With maturity, the water content of seed decreases and finally enters a state of inactivity called
dormancy.
Advantages of seeds
(i) Seeds posses better adaptive strategies for dispersal to form a new colony.
(ii) The reserve food of seed support the growth of seedling till they become nutritionally independent.
(iii) The hard seed coats (testa + tegmen) provide protection against injury.
(iv) They provide genetic recombination and variation as they are the product of sexual reproduction.
(v) Seeds are stored to be consumed throughout the year, to overcome drought and natural
calamities.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 19

 (a)
(b)

(c) Onion (d)

Fig. 1.15 Structure of some seeds

Fruit Development
Q The ovary matures to form fruit and the ovarian wall develops into the fruit wall called pericarp.
Q Fruits can be
(i) Fleshy, e.g., orange, mango, etc.
(ii) Dry, e.g., mustard, groundnut, etc.

Fruit that develops only from ovary Fruit that develops from ovary and the thalamus
e.g., pea, wheat, ,maize. or other part of flower, e.g., apple, strawberry.

Q Fruits consist of three parts: (a) outer skin called epicarp, (b) middle flesh called mesocarp, (c) innermost
part called endocarp

Epicarp
(a) (b)
Fig. 1.16 False fruits of apple and strawberry

20 Xam idea Biology–XII

Parthenocarpic Fruit
Q Fruits that are formed without fertilisation are called parthenocarpic fruits. These do not have seeds,
e.g., banana. Parthenocarpy can also be induced artificially by growth hormones.

Embryo sac
in ovule

Fig. 1.17 Summary of fruit formation that includes germination of a seed, vegetative growth and
the production of flowers that eventually bear fruit, which contains seeds

10. Special Mechanisms of Reproduction

(i) Apomixis
Q The phenomenon of asexual reproduction that imitates sexual reproduction by formation of seed
without fertilisation is called apomixis or agamospermy.
O Ways of development of apomictic seeds:
(a) A diploid egg is formed without reduction division and develops into embryo without
fertilisation.
(b) Some cells of the nucellus, which are diploid in nature, start dividing and without fertilisation
develop into embryo, e.g., citrus fruits and mango.

(ii) Polyembryony
O The occurrence of more than one embryo in a seed is called polyembryony, e.g., orange.
O Ways of forming polyembryonic seeds:
(a) Development of cells like synergids, cells of nucellus, cells of integument, into embryo.
(b) Formation of more than one embryo sac in an ovule.
(c) Formation of more than one egg in an embryo sac.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 21

 NCERT Textbook Questions
Q. 1. Name the parts of an angiosperm flower in which development of male and female gametophyte
take place.
Ans. Development of male and female gametophytes takes place in anther and ovary, respectively.
Q. 2. Differentiate between microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis. Which type of cell division
occurs during these events? Name the structures formed at the end of these two events.

Ans. Table 1.2: Differences between microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis

S. No. Microsporogenesis Megasporogenesis
(i) In this process, haploid microspores are In this process, haploid megaspores are
formed from diploid microspore mother cell formed from diploid megaspore mother cell
or pollen mother cell (MNC or PMC). (MMC).
(ii) It occurs inside the microsporangia or pollen It occurs inside the nucellus of ovule or
sac of an anther. megasporangium.
(iii) There are many microspore mother cells in a There is generally a single megaspore mother
microsporangium. cell in a megasporangium.
(iv) The four microspores formed from a single The four megaspores formed from a
microspore mother cell are generally arranged megaspore mother cell are arranged in the
in a tetrahedral structure. form of a linear tetrad.
(v) All the four microspores arranged in a Only one megaspore remains functional while
tetrahedral tetrad are functional. the other three degenerate.
(vi) The microspore give rise to male gametophyte. The functional megaspore gives rise to female
gametophyte.

Meiosis occurs during micro and megasporogenesis. Microspores (pollen grains) are formed at
the end of microsporogenesis whereas female gametophyte (embryo sac) are formed at the end
of megasporogenesis.
Q. 3. Arrange the following terms in the correct developmental sequence: pollen grain, sporogenous
tissue, microspore tetrad, pollen mother cell, male gametes.
Ans. Sporogenous tissue Pollen mother cell Microspore tetrad Pollen grain
Male gametes.
Q. 4. With a neat, labelled diagram, describe the parts of a typical angiosperm ovule.
Ans. For diagram, refer to Fig. 1.7.
Refer to Points nos. 4 to describe the Structure of Megasporangium.
Q. 5. What is meant by monosporic development of a female gametophyte?
Ans. Out of the four megaspores, three degenerate and only one remains functional which develops
into a female gametophyte or embryo sac. This is called monosporic development, i.e., when
embryo sac develops from one single megaspore it is called monosporic embryo sac.
Q. 6. With a neat diagram explain the 7-celled, 8-nucleate nature of the female gametophyte.
[CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. Female gametophyte or embryo sac is a small oval structure that contains a 3-celled egg apparatus,
3 antipodal cells and one binucleate central cell hence, it is 7-celled and 8-nucleate structure.
(i) Egg apparatus: It consists of two synergids and an egg cell towards the micropylar end. The
cells of egg apparatus are uninucleate. Synergids towards its micropylar end have cellular
thickenings called filiform apparatus that helps in guiding pollen tube into the synergids.
(ii) Antipodal cells: Chalazal end of embryo sac contain three cells of various shapes and sizes
called antipodal cells.

22 Xam idea Biology–XII

 (iii) Central cell: It is the single and largest cell which is bounded by a membrane of embryo
sac. It contains two polar nuclei which later fuse to form diploid secondary nucleus. After
fertilisation the central cell gets converted into triploid primary endosperm cell (PEC) which
forms endosperm.
For diagram, refer to Fig. 1.8(c).
Q. 7. What are chasmogamous flowers? Can cross-pollination occur in cleistogamous flowers? Give
reasons for your answer.
Ans. Chasmogamous flowers are open flowers with exposed stamens and stigma which facilitate
cross-pollination.
No cross-pollination occurs in cleistogamous flowers as these flowers are closed and never open.
Therefore no transfer of pollen from outside to stigma of the flower is possible.
Q. 8. Mention two strategies evolved to prevent self-pollination in flowers.
Ans. The two strategies evolved to prevent self-pollination in flowers are:
(i) Maturation of anthers and stigma at different time periods in a bisexual flower prevents self-
pollination (dichogamy).
(ii) Production of unisexual flowers.
Q. 9. What is self-incompatibility? Why does self-pollination not lead to seed formation in self-
incompatible species?
Ans. Self-incompatibility or self sterility is the inability of a bisexual plant to produce viable seeds on
self-pollination, in spite of producing functional male and female gametes. Since, fertilisation
does not take place, no seeds are produced. It is a genetic mechanism that prevents self pollen
from fertilizing ovules by inhibiting pollen tube growth in pistil.
Q. 10. What is bagging technique? How is it useful in a plant breeding programme?
Ans. It is the covering of female plant with butter paper to avoid their contamination from foreign
pollens during breeding programme.
Q. 11. What is triple fusion? Where and how does it take place? Name the nuclei involved in triple fusion.
Ans. Triple fusion is fusion of one male gamete and two polar nuclei (or secondary nucleus; if the two
have already fused) in the central cell of embryo sac to form primary endosperm nucleus.
It takes place in the central cell of an embryo sac. Three nuclei are involved in triple fusion, i.e.,
one male nucleus and two polar nuclei in the central cell.
Q. 12. Why do you think the zygote is dormant for sometime in a fertilised ovule?
Ans. The zygote is dormant for sometime in a fertilised ovule because the embryo which is developed
from zygote may obtain nutrition from endosperm.
Q. 13. Differentiate between:
(a) hypocotyl and epicotyl (b) coleoptile and coleorhiza
(c) integument and testa (d) perisperm and pericarp.
Ans. (a) Table 1.3: Differences between hypocotyl and epicotyl
S. No. Hypocotyl Epicotyl
(i) The region of the embryonal axis that The region of the embryonal axis that lies
lies between the radicle and the point between the plumule and cotyledons is called
of attachment of cotyledons is called epicotyl.
hypocotyl.
(ii) Hypocotyl pushes the seed above the soil Epicotyl pushes the plumule above the soil in
in epigeal germination. hypogeal germination.
(iii) It is an important component of embryonic It is an important component of embryonic
root system. shoot system.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 23

 (b) Table 1.4: Differences between coleoptile and coleorhiza
S. No. Coleoptile Coleorhiza
(i) The shoot apex and few leaf primordia The radicle and root cap are situated at the
are enclosed in a hollow foliar structure in lower end of embryonal axis are enclosed by
epicotyl region in monocots and is called undifferentiated sheath called coleorhiza.
coleoptile.
(ii) It comes out of the soil. It remains inside the soil.
(iii) It emerges from the soil, turns green and It remains in the soil and is non-green in
carries out photosynthesis. colour.

(c) Table 1.5: Differences between integument and testa

S. No. Integument Testa
(i) It is the protective covering of the ovule It is the protective covering of the seed.
(nucellus).
(ii) It is thin and living. It is thick and dead.
(iii) It is part of pre-fertilisation. It is part of post-fertilisation.

(d) Table 1.6: Differences between perisperm and pericarp

S. No. Perisperm Pericarp
(i) It represents persistent remains of nucellus It represents the wall of fruit formed by the
(of ovule) in the seed. ovarian wall.
(ii) It is a part that belongs to seed. It is a part that belongs to fruit.
(iii) It is usually dry. It can be dry or fleshy.

Q. 14. Why is apple called a false fruit? Which part(s) of the flower forms the fruit?
Ans. False fruits are those fruits in which accessory floral parts also contribute to fruit formation. In
apple, the thalamus also contributes to fruit formation. Therefore, it is called a false fruit. The fruit
develops from the ovary of the flower.
Q. 15. What is meant by emasculation? When and why does a plant breeder employ this technique?
Ans. Emasculation is a practice of removal of stamens/anthers before the anther dehisces from bisexual
flowers in female parent. A plant breeder employs this technique in the bud condition before the
anthers begin to differentiate. It is required to prevent self-pollination.
Uses in plant breeding:
(i) Prevention of contamination and pollination of stigma of female flowers with foreign
undesirable pollens.
(ii) Prevention of damage by animals.
Q. 16. If one can induce parthenocarpy through the application of growth substances, which fruits
would you select to induce parthenocarpy and why?
Ans. Only fleshy fruits like orange, watermelon, lemon, etc., should be selected as parthenocarpic
fruits. Here seeds of fruits are irritant during consumption so seeds are removed so as to make
the fruits even more valuable. It is easy to make fruit juices, jams, etc. with seedless fruits.
Q. 17. Explain the role of tapetum in the formation of pollen grain wall.
Ans. Tapetum is the innermost wall layer of a microsporangium. It nourishes the developing pollen
grains and also help in the formation of wall of pollen grains. The cells of tapetum secrete Ubisch
granules that provide sporopollenin and other materials for exine formation.
Q. 18. What is apomixis and what is its importance?
Ans. Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction to form seeds
without fertilisation.
In apomictic seeds, parental characters are maintained in the progeny/offspring as there is no
meiosis or segregation of characters.
If desired hybrid seeds are made apomictics the farmers can keep on using the hybrid seeds to
raise new crops year after year.
24 Xam idea Biology–XII
 Multiple Choice Questions

Choose and write the correct option(s) in the following questions.

1. The structure of bilobed anther consists of [CBSE Sample Question Paper 2022, Term-1]
(a) 2 thecae, 2 sporangia (b) 4 thecae, 4 sporangia
(c) 4 thecae, 4 sporangia (d) 2 thecae, 4 sporangia
2. In a typical complete, bisexual and hypogynous flower the arrangement of floral whorls on
the thalamus from the outermost to the innermost is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium
(b) calyx, corolla, gynoecium and androecium
(c) gynoecium, androecium, corolla and calyx
(d) androecium, gynoecium, corolla and calyx
3. A dicotyledonous plant bears flowers but never produces fruits and seeds. The most probable
cause for the above situation is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) plant is dioecious and bears only pistillate flowers.
(b) plant is dioecious and bears both pistillate and staminate flowers.
(c) plant is monoecious.
(d) plant is dioecious and bears only staminate flowers.
4. Which of these statements about seed dormancy are TRUE?
1. Seeds do not respire during dormancy.
2. Seeds lose a lot of water before dormancy.
3. Seeds have low metabolic rate during dormancy.
4. Seeds have no metabolic activity during dormancy. [CBSE Question Bank]
(a) only 1 and 3 (b) only 2 and 3
(c) only 1 and 4 (d) only 1, 2 and 3
5. During microsporogenesis, meiosis occurs in [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) endothecium (b) microspore mother cells
(c) microspore tetrads (d) pollen grains.
6. From among the sets of terms given below, identify those that are associated with the
gynoecium. [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Stigma, ovule, embryo sac, placenta (b) Thalamus, pistil, style, ovule
(c) Ovule, ovary, embryo sac, tapetum (d) Ovule, stamen, ovary, embryo sac
7. Starting from the innermost part, the correct sequence of parts in an ovule are
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) egg, nucellus, embryo sac, integument (b) egg, embryo sac, nucellus, integument
(c) embryo sac, nucellus, integument, egg (d) egg, integument, embryo sac, nucellus
8. From the statements given below choose the option that are true for a typical female
gametophyte of a flowering plant.
(i) It is 8-nucleate and 7-celled at maturity.
(ii) It is free-nuclear during the development.
(iii) It is situated inside the integument but outside the nucellus.
(iv) It has an egg apparatus situated at the chalazal end. [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) (i) and (iv) (b) (ii) and (iii) (c) (i) and (ii) (d) (ii) and (iv)

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 25

 9. Autogamy can occur in a chasmogamous flower if [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) pollen matures before maturity of ovule.
(b) ovules mature before maturity of pollen.
(c) both pollen and ovules mature simultaneously.
(d) both anther and stigma are of equal lengths.
10. An anther is made up of the following major parts: lobes, theca and sporangia. The theca are
cavities in which the sporangia develop.
Which of the following types of anther structure can develop into a tetrasporangiate anther?
 [CBSE Question Bank]
(a) filamentous (b) monothecous
(c) dithecous (d) unlobed
11. Choose the correct statement from the following. [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Cleistogamous flowers always exhibit autogamy.
(b) Chasmogamous flowers always exhibit geitonogamy.
(c) Cleistogamous flowers exhibit both autogamy and geitonogamy.
(d) Chasmogamous flowers never exhibit autogamy.
12. Which of the following structures are haploid in nature?
(a) Nucellus and antipodals (b) Microspore and antipodals
(c) Egg cell and antipodals (d) Egg and central cell
13. In a fertilized ovule, n, 2n and 3n conditions occur respectively in
[CBSE Sample Question Paper 2022, Term-1]
(a) antipodal, zygote and endosperm (b) zygote, nucellus and endosperm
(c) endosperm, nucellus and zygote. (d) antipodals, synergids and integuments
14. Self-pollination is fully ensured if [CBSE 2020 (57/1/1)]
(a) the flower is bisexual (b) the style is longer than the filament
(c) the flower is cleistogamous (d) the time of pistil and anther maturity is different
15. A particular species of plant produces light, non-sticky pollen in large numbers and its stigmas
are long and feathery. These modifications facilitate pollination by [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) insects (b) water
(c) wind (d) animals.
16. From among the situations given below, choose the one that prevents both autogamy and
geitonogamy. [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Monoecious plant bearing unisexual flowers
(b) Dioecious plant bearing only male or female flowers
(c) Monoecious plant with bisexual flowers
(d) Dioecious plant with bisexual flowers
17. In a fertilised embryo sac, the haploid, diploid and triploid structures are [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) synergid, zygote and primary endosperm nucleus.
(b) synergid, antipodal and polar nuclei.
(c) antipodal, synergid and primary endosperm nucleus.
(d) synergid, polar nuclei and zygote.
18. In an embryo sac, the cells that degenerate after fertilisation are [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) synergids and primary endosperm cell (b) synergids and antipodals
(c) antipodals and primary endosperm cell (d) egg and antipodals.

26 Xam idea Biology–XII

 19. Which of the following seeds have remained alive for the longest period? [CBSE 2023 (57/3/1)]
(a) Phoenix dactylifera (b) Striga asiatica
(c) Mangifera indica (d) Yucca gigantea
20. While planning for an artificial hybridisation programme involving dioecious plants, which
of the following steps would not be relevant? [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Bagging of female flower (b) Dusting of pollen on stigma

(c) Emasculation (d) Collection of pollen
21. Amongst the insects the dominant biotic pollinating agents are [CBSE 2021 Term-1, (57/2/4)]
(a) Ants (b) Wasps
(c) Beetles (d) Bees
22. Choose the option that gives the correct number of pollen grains that will be formed after 325
microspore mother cells undergo microsporogenesis. [CBSE 2023 (57/1/1)]
(a) 325 (b) 650
(c) 1300 (d) 975
23. In the embryos of a typical dicot and a grass, true homologous structures are
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) coleorrhiza and coleoptile (b) coleoptile and scutellum
(c) cotyledons and scutellum (d) hypocotyl and radicle.
24. The phenomenon observed in some plants wherein parts of the sexual apparatus is used for
forming embryos without fertilisation is called [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) parthenocarpy (b) apomixis
(c) vegetative propagation (d) sexual reproduction.
25. In a flower, if the megaspore mother cell forms megaspores without undergoing meiosis and
if one of the megaspores develops into an embryo sac, its nuclei would be [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) haploid (b) diploid
(c) a few haploid and a few diploid (d) with varying ploidy.
26. The figures of the development stage of a microspore into a mature pollen grain are given
below. Choose the option showing the correct labellings for (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv).

(i) (iv)

(ii) (iii)

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

(a) Generative cell Vegetative cell Male gamete Vacuole

(b) Vegetative cell Generative cell Vacuole Male gamete

(c) Vegetative cell Generative cell Nucleus Vacuole

(d) Generative cell Vegetative cell Vacuole Nucleus

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 27

 27. Enlisted are some events during fruit formation.
1. The egg cell is fertilised by a male gamete.
2. The thalamus withers away.
3. The ovules form seeds.
4. The ovary develops into the fleshy fruit.
Which of these events is/are NOT TRUE for an apple fruit? [CBSE Question Bank]
(a) only 1 (b) only 2
(c) only 2 and 4 (d) only 2, 3 and 4
28. Why is the endosperm in flowering plants 3n? [CBSE Question Bank]
(a) because it is formed from 3 antipodal cells.
(b) because it is formed from 2 male gametes and an egg cell.
(c) because it is formed from 2 male gametes and a polar nucleus.
(d) because it is formed from 1 male gamete and 2 polar nuclei.
29. The coconut water from tender coconut is
(a) cellular endosperm (b) free nuclear endosperm
(c) both cellular and nuclear endosperm (d) free nuclear embryo
30. Pollen grains are well preserved as fossils because of presence of
(a) sporopollenin (b) cellulose (c) lignocellulose (d) pectocellulose
31. Which of the following statements are true related to seed X and Y?

SEED X SEED Y

(i) Seed X is dicot and endospermic or albuminous.

(ii) Seed X is dicot and non-endospermic or non-albuminous.
(iii) Seed Y is monocot and endospermic or albuminous.
(iv) Seed Y is monocot and non-endospermic or non-albuminous.
Choose the correct option with respect to the nature of the seed.
(a) (i), (iii) (b) (ii), (iii) (c) (i), (iv) (d) (ii), (iv)
32. A botanist studying Viola (common pansy) noticed that one of the two flower types withered
and developed no further due to some unfavorable condition, but the other flower type on
the same plant survived and it resulted in an assured seed set. Which of the following will be
correct?
(a) The flower type which survived is cleistogamous and it always exhibits autogamy.
(b) The flower type which survived is chasmogamous and it always exhibits geitonogamy.

28 Xam idea Biology–XII

 (c) The flower type which survived is cleistogamous and it exhibits both autogamy and
geitonogamy.
(d) The flower type which survived is chasmogamous and it never exhibits autogamy.
33. To produce 400 seeds, the number of meiotic divisions required will be
(a) 400 (b) 200 (c) 500 (d) 800
34. Select the plant species, where emasculation is not required for artificial hybridisation
experiment?
(a) Castor (b) Lily (c) Papaya (d) Wheat
35. Which of the given statements are correct with respect to pollination in Vallisneria?
(i) Pollen grains are light and non-sticky.
(ii) Female flowers reach the surface of water by long stalks.
(iii) Pollen grains are carried passively by water currents.
(iv) Female flowers remain submerged in water.
Choose the correct option:
(a) (i) and (iv) (b) (ii) and (iv)
(c) (i) and (ii) (d) (ii) and (iii)

Answers
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (c)
11. (a) 12. (c) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (b) 17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (a) 20. (c)
21. (d) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (b) 25. (b) 26. (c) 27. (b) 28. (d) 29. (b) 30. (a)
31. (b) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (c) 35. (d)

Assertion-Reason Questions

In the following questions a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason is given. Choose
the correct answer out of the following choices.
(a) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct explanation for assertion.
(c) Assertion is correct statement but reason is wrong statement.
(d) Assertion is wrong statement but reason is correct statement.
1. Assertion : The endosperm of angiosperms is generally triploid (3n).
Reason : It develops from primary endosperm nucleus formed by fusion of haploid male
gamete and diploid secondary nucleus.
2. Assertion : Dichogamy refers to maturation of male and female sex organs at different times.
Reason : This is a safeguard against cross fertilisation.
3. Assertion : Megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to produce four megaspores.
Reason : Megaspore mother cell and megaspores are both haploid.
4. Assertion : Entomophilous plants produce less pollen when compared to anemophilous plants.
Reason : The wastage of pollen is reduced to the minimum in entomophilous plants because
of the directional pollination.
5. Assertion : A structure of a typical microsporangium in angiosperms consists of four wall
layers—epidermis, endothecium, middle layers and tapetum.
Reason : The function of outer three wall layers is protection and also help in dehiscence of
anther to release pollen.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 29

 6. Assertion : A pollen grain can withstand harsh conditions.
Reason : The exine of pollen grains is made up of sporopollenin which is resistant to high
temperatures, strong acids or alkali as well as enzymatic degradation.
7. Assertion : In plants, apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction.
Reason : In apomixis seeds are produced without the fusion of gametes.
8. Assertion : In coconut, the water represents the free nuclear endosperm and the white kernel
represents the cellular endosperm.

Reason : PEN undergoes a number of free nuclear divisions which are followed by wall
formation.
9. Assertion : In monosporic type of embryo development, megaspore is situated towards the
micropylar end and remains functional.
Reason : In monosporic development the embryo sac develops from a single functional
megaspore.
10. Assertion : Microspore is the first cell of male gametophyte.
Reason : It is diploid in nature.
11. Assertion : Apomictic fruits are seedless.
Reason : Apomictic fruits are formed without fertilisation. [CBSE Question Bank]
12. Assertion : Endosperm is completely consumed during, the development of embryo in ex-
albuminous seeds.
Reason : Castor, pea and beans are all examples of ex-albuminous seeds.
[CBSE 2023 (57/1/1)]
Answers
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (c)
11. (d) 12. (c)

Passage-based/Case-based/
Source-based Questions
Read the given passages and answer the questions that follow.

PASSAGE-1
Observe the figure of fertilised embryo sac of an angiosperm and answer the questions that follow.

30 Xam idea Biology–XII

 (i) In the embryos of a typical dicot and a grass, which are the true homologous structures?
(ii) Normally one embryo develops in one seed but when an orange seed is squeezed many
embryos of different shapes and sizes are seen. Mention how it has happened.
OR
Which special method of reproduction give rise to more than one embryo in one seed?
Give one example.
(iii) (a) How many nuclei are present in a fully developed male gametophyte of flowering plants?
(b) What is the cell condition of female gametophyte?

Answers
(i) Cotyledons and scutellum.
(ii) An orange seed has many embryos because of polyembryony.
OR
Polyembryony e.g. orange.
(iii) (a) Three (one vegetative nucleus and two male nuclei).
(b) 7-celled, 8-nucleate condition (three antipodal, two synergids one egg cell, central cell having
2 polar nuclei.

PASSAGE-2
Given below is an enlarged view of one microsporangium of a mature anther.

Microspore
mother cells

(i) An anther with malfunctioning tapetum often fails to produce viable male gametophytes.
Give one reason.
(ii) The meiocyte of rice has 24 chromosomes. How many chromosomes are present in its
endosperm and egg cell. Why?
(iii) State the reason why pollen grains lose their viability when the tapetum in the anther is
malfunctioning.
OR
(iii) What is the function of tapetum in the anther?

Answers
(i) A malfunctioning tapetum is not able to provide optimum nutrition for the production of viable
male gametophytes.
(ii) 12 chromosomes in egg cell due to its haploid by the process of megagametogenesis and 36
chromosome in endosperm due to its triploid nature by the process of triple fusion.
(iii) Due to malfunctioning of tapetum, the developing pollen grains do not get proper nourishment
and thus lose its viability.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 31

 OR
(iii) Tapetum provides nourishment to the developing pollen grains in the anther.

PASSAGE-3
Observe the diagram of pollen grain with germ tube and two male gametes given below. Answer the
questions that follow:

(i) How many pollen grains and ovules are likely to be formed in the anther and the ovary of an
angiosperm bearing 25 microspore mother cells and 25 megaspore mother cells respectively?
(ii) How do the pollen grains of Vallisneria protect themselves?
(iii) If the stamens are well exposed, usually which mode of pollination the plant is expected to
follow?
OR
(iii) If the flower has honey and nectar glands which is highly fragrant then, which mode of
pollination the plant is expected to follow?

Answers
(i) 100 pollen grains and 25 ovules.
(ii) They have mucilaginous covering to prevent them from getting wet.
(iii) Anemophily (Wind-pollination).
OR
(iii) Entomophily (Insect-pollination).

PASSAGE-4
Double fertilisation
Following compatible pollination, the pollen grain germinates on the stigma to produce a pollen tube
which grows through the tissues of stigma and style and reaches to ovary. If the pollen grain was shed at
2-celled stage, the generative cell divides and forms the two male gametes during the growth of pollen
tube. In plants which shed pollen grains in 3-celled condition, pollen tube carries the two male gametes
from the beginning. The pollen tube enters into ovule and peneterates into the embryo sac. Within
embryo sac, the pollen tube enters into one of the synergids through the filiform apparatus. Now the
pollen tube releases two male gametes into the space developed by degeneration of peneterated synergid.
One of the male gamete moves towards the egg cell and fuses with its nucleus thus completing syngamy
resulting into the formation of diploid zygote. The other male gamete moves towards the two polar
nuclei located in the central cell and fuses with them to produce a triploid primary endosperm nucleus
(PEN). As this involves the fusion of three haploid nuclei, it is termed as triple fusion. Since two types of
fusion – syngamy and triple fusion, takes place in an embryo sac, this phenomenon is termed as double
fertilisation, an event unique to flowering plants. After fusion, the central cell become primary endosperm
cell (PEC) and develops into endosperm while the zygote develops into an embryo.
(i) Which part of the angiosperm and gymnosperm acts as the endospermic tissue?
(ii) What is the entry point of pollen tube into embryo sac?
OR

32 Xam idea Biology–XII

 (ii) What are the types of entry of pollen tube into embryo sac?
(iii) What does double fertilisation refer to?

Answers
(i) Angiosperm: Primary endosperm nucleus.
Gymnosperm: Female Gametophyte
(ii) The pollen tube enters through the micropylar end between egg and synergids.
OR
(ii) Porogamy, Mesogamy and Chalazogamy.
(iii) One of the male gamete moves towards the egg cell and fuses with its nucleus thus completing
syngamy resulting into the formation of diploid zygote. The other male gamete moves towards
the two polar nuclei located in the central cell and fuses with them to produce a triploid
primary endosperm nucleus (PEN). Since two types of fusion takes place in an embryo sac, this
phenomenon is termed as double fertilisation.

Conceptual Questions
Q. 1. Draw a diagram of a matured microspore of an angiosperm. Label its cellular components
only. [CBSE (F) 2014]
Ans. Generative cell

Vegetative cell

Q. 2. Give an example of a plant which came into India as a contaminant and is a cause of pollen
allergy. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. Parthenium or Carrot grass.
Q. 3. The microscopic pollen grains of the past are obtained as fossils. Mention the characteristic of
the pollen grains that makes it happen.
Ans. The exine of pollen grains have an outermost hard layer composed of a chemical, sporopollenin. It
is highly resistant to high temperature, strong acids and alkali. So, pollen grains are obtained as
fossils.
Q. 4. State the function of filiform apparatus found in mature embryo sac of an angiosperm.
[CBSE (F) 2014]
Ans. The filiform apparatus guides the pollen tube into the synergid.
Q. 5. What is funiculus?
Ans. Funiculus is the stalk of ovule that attaches it to the placenta.
Q. 6. How many germ pores are there in the pollen grains of monocots and dicots?
Ans. There are three germ pores in dicots and one in monocots.
Q. 7. In maximum angiosperms pollen grains are shed at the two-celled stage. Name the two cells.
Ans. Vegetative cell and generative cell are the two-celled stage in which pollen grains are shed.
Q. 8. Name the component cells of the ‘egg apparatus’ in an embryo sac. [NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. Two synergids and an egg.
Q. 9. Why do pollen grains of some flowers trigger ‘sneezing’ in some people? [CBSE (F) 2012]
Ans. They result in an allergic reaction.
Q. 10. Name the tissue present in the fertilised ovules of angiospermic plants that supplies food and
nourishment to the developing embryo.
Ans. Endosperm
Q. 11. How many cells are found in a typical embryo sac?
Ans. There are seven cells in a typical embryo sac. These are one egg cell, two synergids, three antipodal
cells and a central cell.
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 33
Q. 12. What is an anatropous ovule?
Ans. It is an ovule that is completely inverted through 180° such that the micropyle comes close to the
base of the funiculus and nucellus remains straight.
Q. 13. Papaver and Michelia both have multicarpellary ovaries. How do they differ from each
other? [CBSE (F) 2012]
Ans. Papaver has syncarpous gynoecium whereas Michelia has apocarpous gynoecium.
Q. 14. An anther with malfunctioning tapetum often fails to produce viable male gametophytes.
Give any one reason. [CBSE Delhi 2013]
Ans. A malfunctioning tapetum does not provide enough nourishment to the developing male
gametophytes and thus fail to produce viable male gametophytes.
Q. 15. How is it possible in Oxalis and Viola plants to produce assured seed-sets even in the absence
of pollinators? [CBSE (F) 2012]
Ans. By presence of cleistogamous flowers.
Q. 16. A bilobed, dithecous anther has 100 microspore mother cells per microsporangium. How many
male gametophytes this anther can produce? [CBSE Delhi 2010]
Ans. The bilobed anther can produce 1600 male gametophytes.
Q. 17. The diploid number of chromosomes in an angiospermic plant is 16. What will be the number
of chromosomes in its endosperm and antipodal cells? [CBSE 2019 (57/5/1)]
Ans. Endosperm—24 chromosomes, Antipodals—8 chromosomes.
Q. 18. How do flowers of Vallisneria get pollinated? [CBSE (F) 2013]
Ans. In Vallisneria, the female flower stalk is long to reach the water surface to receive the pollen grains
carried by water currents and then it gets coiled after pollination.
Q. 19. How many microspore mother cells would be required to produce one hundred pollen grains
in a pollen sac? And why? [CBSE (F) 2013]
Ans. One microspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form four pollen grains. In order to produce 100
pollen grains, 25 microspore mother cells must undergo meiosis.
Q. 20. What is pollen–pistil interaction and how is it mediated? [CBSE (F) 2014]
Ans. The ability of the pistil to recognise the pollen followed by its acceptance or rejection is called
pollen–pistil interaction. It is mediated by chemical components of pollen interacting with those
of pistil.
Q. 21. How many microsporangia are present in a typical anther of an angiosperm? [CBSE (F) 2013]
Ans. Four
Q. 22. Pea flowers produce assured seed sets. Give a reason. [CBSE (AI) 2010]
Ans. Pea flowers are cleistogamous, i.e., anther and stigma lie close to each other in closed flowers. So
when anthers dehisce in the flower buds, pollen grains come in contact with the stigma to effect
pollination. Thus, assured seeds are produced in pea.
Q. 23. Name the part of the flower which the tassels of the corn-cob represent. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. Style and stigma
Q. 24. Write the function of coleoptile. [CBSE Delhi 2012]
Ans. It protects the plumule of the monocot embryo.
Q. 25. Write the function of scutellum. [CBSE Delhi 2012]
Ans. It provides nourishment and protection to the developing embryo.
Q. 26. Name the part of gynoecium that determines the compatible nature of pollen grain.
[NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. Stigma
Q. 27. Who discovered double fertilisation in angiosperms?
Ans. S. G. Nawaschin (1897) discovered double fertilisation in angiosperms.

34 Xam idea Biology–XII

Q. 28. What is nucellus?
Ans. The body of the ovule consists of a mass of parenchymatous cells rich in reserve food material
which is called nucellus.
Q. 29. Name the common function that cotyledons and nucellus perform. [NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. Cotyledons and nucellus provide nourishment.
Q. 30. Which are the three cells found in a pollen grain when it is shed at the three-celled stage?
[NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. One vegetative cell and two male gametes.
Q. 31. What features of flowers facilitate pollination by birds?
Ans. Presence of a large quantity of nectar, bright colours of petal, fragrance and large flowers attract
birds from long distances.
Q. 32. Name the type of pollination in self-incompatible plants. [NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. Xenogamy.
Q. 33. Mention any two characteristics of pollen grains of plants such as maize and Cannabis.
Ans. (i) Pollen grains are small, dry and light in weight, non-sticky.
(ii) Pollen are produced in large numbers.
Q. 34. Define parthenocarpy.
Ans. Parthenocarpy is an economically important process in which seedless fruit is formed without
fertilisation, for example, banana.
Q. 35. In a case of polyembryony, if an embryo develops from the synergid and another from the
nucellus, which is haploid and which is diploid? [NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. Synergid embryo is haploid and nucellar embryo is diploid.

Short Answer Questions

Each of the following questions are of 2 marks.

Q. 1. In a flowering plant a microspore mother cell produces four male gametophytes while a
megaspore mother cell forms only one female gametophyte. Explain. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. Male gametophytes are formed by meiosis of single microspore mother cell whereas female
gametophytes are formed by meiosis of single megaspore mother cell to produce four megaspores,
out of which three degenerate and only one survives. The surviving megaspore undergoes mitotic
division to form the female gametophyte.
Q. 2. In the T.S. of a mature anther given below, identify “a” and “b” and mention their function.

   

Ans. a—Sporogenous tissue: It forms pollen grains.

b—Tapetum: It provides nourishment to the developing pollen grains.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 35

 Q. 3. Name the organic materials the exine and intine of an angiosperm pollen grains are made up
of. Explain the role of exine. [CBSE Delhi 2014]
Ans. Exine is made up of sporopollenin and intine is made up of cellulose and pectin. Sporopollenin in
exine is the most resistant organic material and can withstand high temperature, acidic and alkali
environment.
Q. 4. Differentiate between the two cells enclosed in a mature male gametophyte of an
angiosperm. [CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans. Table 1.7: Differences between vegetative and generative cell of pollen grain
S.No. Vegetative cell Generative cell
(i) It is bigger in size. It is smaller and floats in the cytoplasm of
vegetative cell.
(ii) It has food reserves. It gives rise to two male gametes.

Q. 5. “Pollen grains in wheat are shed at 3-celled stage while in peas they are shed at 2-celled stage.”
Explain. Where are germ pores present in a pollen grain? [CBSE (AI) 2017]
Ans.

[Topper’s Answer 2017]

Q. 6. Gynoecium of a flower may be apocarpous or syncarpous. Explain with the help of an example
each. [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Ans. The gynoecium represents the female reproductive part of the flower. When there are more than
one pistil, if the pistils are fused together, the flower is said to be syncarpous and if the pistils are
free, it is said to be apocarpous. For example, pistil of Papaver is syncarpous and that of Michelia
is apocarpous.
Q. 7. Name all the haploid cells present in an unfertilised mature embryo sac of a flowering plant.
Write the total number of cells in it. [CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans. The haploid cells in an unfertilised mature embryo sac are: egg cell, synergids, antipodals and
central cell. There are seven cells in total.
Q. 8. Draw a diagram of pollen grain with germ tube and two male gametes.
Ans.

36 Xam idea Biology–XII

 Q. 9. Why does the zygote begin to divide only after the division of primary endosperm cell?
[NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. The zygote needs nourishment during its development. As the mature, fertilised embryo sac
offers very little nourishment to the zygote, the primary endosperm cell (PEC) divides and
generates the endosperm tissue which nourishes the zygote. Hence, the zygote always divides
after division of PEC.
Q. 10.
(a) From which end of the ovule, and how does the pollen tube gain its entry into the embryo
sac of a Hibiscus flower?
(b) State the fate of the male nuclei present in the pollen tube. [CBSE 2023 (57/1/1)]
Ans. (a) The pollen tube enters the embryo sac between the two synergids through the region of the
filiform apparatus at the micropylar end of the ovule.
(b) One of the male gamete fuses with egg nucleus to form a diploid cell called zygote and
the other male gamete fuses with polar nuclei at the centre to produce a triploid primary
endosperm nucleus.
Q. 11. Which is the triploid tissue in a fertilised ovule? How is the triploid condition achieved?
[NCERT Exemplar]
Ans. The triploid tissue in the ovule is the endosperm. Its triploid condition is achieved by the fusion
of two polar nuclei and one nucleus of male gamete, referred to as triple fusion.
Q. 12. Fill in the following labels with the type of cell function.

X A B C D

Ans. X—Meiosis (Reduction division); A—Mitosis; B—Mitosis; C—Mitosis; D—Cells reorganised as

polar nuclei, antipodals and egg apparatus.
Q. 13. Mention the ploidy of the different types of cells present in the female gametophyte of an
angiosperm. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. Table 1.8: Ploidy of cells in female gametophyte
Cells in female gametophyte Their ploidy
1. Synergids Haploid
2. Egg Haploid
3. Polar nuclei Haploid
4. Antipodals Haploid
5. Central cell 2 haploid nuclei

Q. 14. Write briefly the role of pollination in the growth and development in an angiosperm.
Ans. Pollination is transfer of pollen grains from anthers to the stigma of a flower. Pollination is
prerequisite for fertilisation, events after fertilisation like endosperm development, seed setting
and fruit formation. Thus, pollination plays an important role in the growth and development of
angiosperms.
Q. 15. Explain any two devices by which autogamy is prevented in flowering plants.
Ans. (i) Male and female flowers are present on different plants.
(ii) The stamens and stigma of a bisexual flower mature at different times.
(a) Anthers mature earlier than the stigma and release pollens.
(b) The stigma matures earlier than the anther.
(iii) Flowers are self-sterile or self-incompatible.
(iv) Chasmogamous flowers are present with exposed stamens and stigma which facilitate cross-
pollination. (Any two)

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 37

 Q. 16. What is cleistogamy? Write one advantage and one disadvantage of it, to the plant.
[CBSE 2019 (57/4/1)]
Ans. Pollination occurring in closed flowers.  1

Advantage : Ensures self pollination / Assured seed set formation in absence of pollinators.  ½
Disadvantage : does not allow cross pollination / genetic variation /can cause inbreeding

depression.  ½
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019 (57/4/1)]

Q. 17.
(a) List any two characteristic features of wheat flowers that make it a good example of wind
pollination.
(b) It is observed that plant breeders carrying out wheat hybridisation often take pollen grains
from the ‘pollen banks’. Do you agree ? Give one reason in support of your answer.
[CBSE 2019 (57/3/1)]
Ans. (a) Light pollen grains/pollen grains more in number / exposed stamen / feathery stigma /
single ovule / numerous flowers packed into an inflorescence.   (Any two)  ½+½
(b) • Yes.  ½
• Viability of wheat pollen grain is only 30 minutes and so it can be stored in pollen bank
for a long period of time. ½
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019 (57/3/1)]

Q. 18. List the two steps that are essential for carrying out artificial hybridisation in crop plants and
why. [CBSE (F) 2014]
Ans. (a) Selection of parents: Only those plants should be selected which have desired traits.
Emasculation: Removal of anthers from flower before they are mature and dehisce.
(b) Crossing over: Pollen grains from selected male plant is collected and transferred to the
female plant after which it is bagged.
Q. 19. Explain the steps that ensure cross pollination in an autogamous flower. [CBSE Delhi 2013]
Ans. A bisexual flower is emasculated at unopened stage to prevent self-pollination in the flower and
it is bagged after emasculation to prevent contact of unwanted pollen grain with the stigma of
the flower. Artificial pollination is then performed when the stigma is ready and the flower is
rebagged.
Q. 20. Geitonogamous flowering plants are genetically autogamous but functionally cross-pollinated.
Justify. Give similarity of geitonogamy with autogamy and xenogamy. [CBSE Delhi 2013]
Ans. Geitonogamous flowers are genetically autogamous because both male and female flowers are
borne on the same plant. They are functionally cross-pollinated because the pollen from one
flower is transferred to the stigma of a different flower.
Q. 21. How does the Mediterranean orchid Ophrys ensures its pollination by bees? [CBSE Delhi 2010]
Ans. The petals of the Ophrys resemble the female of a bee species in size, colour and odour. Male bee
mistakes the Ophrys for female bee and tries to copulate. Few pollen grains adhered to the body of
the male bee fall over stigma of the flower thereby leading to pollination showing sexual deceit.
Q. 22. Why should a bisexual flower be emasculated and bagged prior to artificial pollination?
[CBSE (F) 2010]
Ans. A bisexual flower is emasculated to prevent self-pollination in the flower and it is bagged after
emasculation to prevent contact of unwanted pollen grain with the stigma of the flower.
Q. 23. Write the cellular contents carried by the pollen tube. How does the pollen tube gain its entry
into the embryo sac? [CBSE (F) 2012]
Ans. Pollen tube carries two male gametes.
Pollen tube, after reaching the ovary, enters the ovule through the micropyle and then enters one of
the synergids through the filiform apparatus which guides the entry of pollen tube into egg cell.

38 Xam idea Biology–XII

Q. 24. A pollen grain in angiosperm at the time of dehiscence from an anther could be 2-celled or
3-celled. Explain. How are the cells placed within the pollen grain when shed at a 2-celled
stage? [CBSE (AI) 2017]
Ans. In 2-celled stage the mature pollen grain contains one generative and vegetative cells, whereas in
3-celled stage one vegetative cell and two male gametes are present.
The generative cell being small floats in the cytoplasm of the vegetative cell. The pollen grains are
shed at this 2-celled stage.
Q. 25. State one advantage and one disadvantage of cleistogamy. [CBSE (AI) 2012]
Ans. Advantage: Self-pollination is assured/Seed production is assured.
Disadvantage: Least variations observed/Leads to inbreeding depression.
Q. 26. Name the product of fertilisation that forms the kernel of coconut. How does the kernel differ
from coconut water? [CBSE (F) 2012]
Ans. Endosperm forms the kernel of coconut.
The coconut water is free-nuclear endosperm whereas kernel is cellular endosperm.
Q. 27. List the post-fertilisation events in angiosperms. [CBSE Delhi 2014]
Ans. (i) Development of endosperm
(ii) Embryogeny/development of embryo
(iii) Seed formation
(iv) Fruit formation
Q. 28. Mention the function of each of the following:
(a) Tassels of corn cob.
(b) Tapetum in the microsporangium. [CBSE (F) 2012]
Ans. (a) These are the stigma and style which wave in the wind to trap pollen grains.
(b) Provides nourishment to the developing pollen grains.
Q. 29. Describe the development of endosperm after double fertilization in an angiosperm. Why
does endosperm development preceeds that of zygote? [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Ans. Refer to Points to remember 9 (Endosperm Development).
Cells of the endosperm provide nutrition to the developing embryo.
Q. 30. Draw a vertical section of a maize grain and label (i) pericarp, (ii) scutellum, (iii) coleoptile and
(iv) radicle. [CBSE 2019 (57/5/1)]
Ans. Refer to Fig. 1.15(d).
Q. 31. Explain the function of each of the following:
(a) Coleorrhiza
  (b) Germ pores [CBSE (AI) 2012]
Ans. (a) Coleorrhiza protects the radical of (monocot) embryo.
(b) Germ pores allow germination of pollen grain and formation of pollen tubes.
Q. 32. Differentiate between albuminous and non-albuminous seeds, giving one example of each.
[CBSE Delhi 2011]
Ans. Albuminous seeds have residual endosperm in them. For example, maize.
Non-albuminous seeds do not have any residual endosperm. For example, pea.
Q. 33. In angiosperms, zygote is diploid while primary endosperm cell is triploid. Explain.
[CBSE Delhi 2010, (AI) 2013]
Ans. A zygote is formed by the fusion of haploid male gamete with the haploid egg to form a diploid
cell; whereas, primary endosperm nucleus (PEN) is formed by the fusion of haploid male gamete
with two haploid polar nuclei, forming a triploid nucleus.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 39

 Q. 34. Some angiosperm seeds are said to be ‘albuminous’, whereas few others are said to have a
perisperm. Explain each with the help of an example. [CBSE (F) 2014]
Ans. Albuminous seeds are those which retain a part of endosperm as it is not completely used up
during embryo development. For example, in wheat and maize. In some seeds remnants of
nucellus are also persistent. This residual, persistent nucleus is the perisperm. For example, in
black pepper and beet.
Q. 35. Double fertilisation is reported in plants of both, castor and groundnut. However, the
mature seeds of groundnut are non-albuminous and castor are albuminous. Explain the post-
fertilisation events that are responsible for it. [CBSE Delhi 2015]
Ans. The development of endosperm (preceding the embryo) takes place from primary endosperm
nucleus (PEN) in both, castor and groundnut.
The developing embryo derives nutrition from endosperm.
PEN undergoes repeated division to give free nuclei. Subsequently cell wall is formed and
endosperm becomes cellular. At this stage endosperm is retained in castor or is not fully consumed
but in groundnut endosperm is consumed by growing embryo.
Q. 36.
(a) You are given castor and bean seeds. Which one of the two would you select to observe the
endosperm?
(b) The development of endosperm precedes that of embryo in plants. Justify.
[CBSE 2019 (57/2/1)]
Ans. (a) Castor 1
(b) Endosperm stores reserve food materials / provides nutrition to the developing embryo. 1
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019 (57/4/1)]

Q. 37.
(a) Mature seeds of legumes are non-albuminous. Then, can it be assumed that double
fertilisation does not occur in legumes? Explain your answer.
(b) List the differences between the embryos of dicot (pea) and monocot (grass family).
[CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. (a) No it cannot be assumed so because fertilisation does takes place but the endosperm is
consumed during embryo development.
(b) Table 1.9: Differences between dicot and monocot embryo
S. No. Dicot embryo Monocot embryo
(i) It has two cotyledons. It has one cotyledon.
(ii) Radicle and plumule are not covered with Radicle is covered with coleorrhiza and
sheath. plumule is covered by coleoptile.
Q. 38. Draw a sectional view of an apple and label the different parts of an ovary in it. Fruits develop
from an ovary. Then why is apple referred to as a false fruit? [CBSE (F) 2013, 2017]
Ans. Refer to Fig. 1.16(a).
In apple, the thalamus also contributes to fruit formation. Therefore, it is called a false fruit.
Q. 39. What is pericarp? Mention its functions.
Ans. The wall of the ovary that develops into wall of the fruit is called pericarp.

Functions: (i) Protects the seed till its maturity.
   (ii) Helps in seed dispersal.
Q. 40. A non-biology person is quite shocked to know that apple is a false fruit, mango is a true fruit
and banana is a seedless fruit. As a biology student how would you satisfy this person?
[CBSE Delhi 2015]
Ans. In apple only the thalamus (along with ovary) contributes to fruit formation. Therefore, it is a
false fruit. Mango develops only from the fertilised ovary, therefore, it is a true fruit.
Banana develops from ovary but without fertilisation. The method is known as parthenocarpy.
Since there is no fertilisation, no seeds are formed in banana.

40 Xam idea Biology–XII

Q. 41. Why are some seeds referred to as apomictic seeds? Mention one advantage and one
disadvantage to a farmer who uses them. [CBSE (AI) 2015; (F) 2015]
Ans. Seeds that are produced without fertilisation are referred to as apomictic.

Advantage: Desired characters are retained in offspring (progeny) as there is no segregation of
characters in offspring (progeny). Seed production is assured even in absence of pollinators.
Apomictic seeds are economical as they can be used to grow crops year after year.
Disadvantage: Cannot control accumulation of deleterious genetic mutation. These are usually
restricted to narrow ecological niches and lack ability to adapt to changing environment.
Q. 42. Explain any two ways by which apomictic seeds get developed. [CBSE (F) 2013]
Ans. Ways by which apomictic seeds develop are:
(i) A diploid egg is formed without reduction division which develops into embryo without
fertilisation.
(ii) Some cells of the nucellus, which are diploid in nature, start dividing and without fertilisation
develop into embryo.
Q. 43. If you squeeze a seed of orange you might observe many embryos of different sizes? How is it
possible? Explain. [CBSE (AI) 2010, Delhi 2011]
Ans. In orange, the nucellar cells surrounding the embryo sac start dividing, protrude into the embryo
sac and develop into a number of embryos of different sizes.
Q. 44. Banana is a parthenocarpic fruit whereas oranges show polyembryony. How are they different
from each other with respect to seeds?
Ans. Banana develops from an ovary without fertilisation having no seeds so it is called parthenocarpic
fruit. An orange contain seeds with more than one embryo thus, it shows polyembryony.
Q. 45.
(a) How are parthenocarpic fruits produced by some plants and apomictic seeds by some
others? Explain.
(b) When do farmers prefer using apomictic seeds? [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Ans. (a) Parthenocarpic fruits are formed when ovary develops into fruit without fertilisation.
Apomictic seeds are formed when formation of seeds take place without fertilisation.
(b) To maintain hybrid characters (year after year in a desired plant) and to avoid buying hybrid
seeds every year (expensive seeds) farmers prefer using apomictic seeds.
Q. 46. What is agamospermy? How is agamospermy different from parthenogenesis and parthenocarpy?
Ans. The phenomenon of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction as it forms seed
without fertilisation is called agamospermy.
Parthenogenesis refers to the development of unfertilised egg into an adult individual. On the
other hand, parthenocarpy is the phenomenon of formation of fruits without fertilisation of an
ovary.

Long Answer Questions-I

Each of the following questions are of 3 marks.

Q. 1.
(a) Name the organic material exine of the pollen grain is made up of. How is this material
advantageous to pollen grain?
(b) Still it is observed that it does not form a continuous layer around the pollen grain. Give
reason.
(c) How are ‘pollen banks’ useful? [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Ans. (a) Sporopollenin.
It is most resistant material to high temperature, strong acids on alkali and no enzymes can
degrade it.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 41

 (b) Germs pores are present to allow pollen tube to emerge out for pollen germination.
(c) Pollen banks help in storing pollen grains for years for crop breeding programmes.
Q. 2. Write the functions of:
(a) Coleoptile (b) Tapetum   (c) Scutellum [CBSE Delhi 2012]
Ans. (a) Coleoptile: It protects the plumule of the monocot embryo.
(b) Tapetum: It provides nourishment to developing pollen.
(c) Scutellum: It provides nourishment and protection to the developing embryo.
Q. 3. When and where do tapetum and synergids develop in flowering plants? Mention their
functions. [CBSE 2019 (57/2/1)]
Ans. Tapetum: Microsporogenesis, Microsporangium (Anther), nourishes the developing pollen
grains.
Synergids: Megasporogenesis, Megasporangium (ovule), synergids have filiform apparatus to
guide the pollen tube into it. ½×6
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019 (57/2/1)]

Q. 4. Where are the following structures present in a male gametophyte of an angiosperm? Mention
the function of each one of them.
(a) Germ pore    (b) Sporopollenin
(c) Generative cell [CBSE 2019 (57/2/1)]
Ans. (a) Germ pore: Pollen grain exine, site from where pollen tube emerges.
(b) Sporopollenin: Exine of pollengrains, protects the pollen grains from high temperature
/ and strong acids & alkali / enzymes / adverse condition.
(c) Generative cell: Pollen grains , give rise to two male gametes. ½×6
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019 (57/2/1)]
Q. 5. Draw the diagram of microsporangium of an angiosperm and label any four parts. State the
function of its innermost wall layer. [CBSE Sample Question Paper 2015, 2017, 2018]
Ans. Refer to Fig. 1.3(b).
Tapetum nourishes the developing pollen grains.
Q. 6. Make a list of any three outbreeding devices that flowering plants have developed and explain
how they help to encourage cross-pollination. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. (i) Time of pollen release and stigma receptivity are different (not synchronised). This prevents
self-pollination.
(ii) Anther and stigma are placed at different positions, so the pollens cannot come in contact
with the stigma of the same flower.
(iii) Self-incompatibility, which is a genetic mechanism to prevent the pollen germination on the
stigma of the same flower.
Q. 7. Why are angiosperm anthers called dithecous? Describe the structure of its microsporangium.
[CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. The anthers of angiosperms are called dithecous because they are bilobed and each lobe of anther
has two theca.
Microsporangium is surrounded by four wall layers named as epidermis, endothecium, middle
layer and tapetum. In young anther, a group of compactly arranged homogenous cells called
sporogenous tissue occupies the centre of each microsporangium which produce microspores or
pollen grains.
Q. 8. Differentiate between the following:
(a) Perisperm and Pericarp
(b) Syncarpous pistil and Apocarpous pistil
(c) Plumule and Radicle [CBSE 2023 (57/1/1)]
42 Xam idea Biology–XII
 Ans. (a)
S. No. Perisperm Pericarp

(i) It represents persistent remains of It represents the wall of fruit formed by the
nucellus (of ovule) in the seed. ovarian wall.

(ii) This is a part of seed. This is a part of fruit.

(iii) It is usually dry. It can be dry or fleshy.

(b)
Syncarpous pistil Apocarpous pistil
1. The condition where all the pistils are fused or 1. The condition where the pistils are free.
combined.
2. For example, tomato and cucumber. 2. For example, lotus.

(c)
Plumule Radicle
1. It is the part of the embryo that gives rise to 1. It is the part of the embryo that gives rises to
the shoot. the root.
2. It grows after the radicle. 2. It grows before the plumule.

Q. 9. Draw a longitudinal section of the pistil from a flowering plant, where pollination has
occurred. Label the following:
(a) Stigma showing germinating pollen grains
(b) Style
(c) Pollen tube reaching the micropyle of the ovule
(d) Embryo sac
(e) Components of the egg apparatus [CBSE 2020 (57/2/1)]

Ans.
Stigma /(a)

Style /(b)

Pollen tube /(c)

Embryo sac /(d)

Egg cell /(e) egg

Synergid /(e) apparatus

½×6
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019 (57/2/1)]

Q. 10. (a) Draw a labelled sketch of a mature 7-celled, 8-nucleate embryo-sac.

(b) Which one of the cell in an embryo-sac produce endosperm after double fertilisation?
[CBSE (F) 2016]
Ans. (a) Refer to Fig. 1.8(c)
(b) Central cell

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 43

 Q. 11. Draw a schematic transverse section of a mature anther of an angiosperm. Label its epidermis,
middle layers, tapetum, endothecium, sporogenous tissue and the connective.
[CBSE 2020 (57/1/1)]
Ans.

[Topper’s Answer 2020]

Q. 12. Given below are the events that are observed in artificial hybridisation programme. Arrange
them in the correct sequential order in which they are followed in the hybridisation
programme.
(a) re-bagging; (b) selection of parents;
(c) bagging; (d) dusting the pollen on stigma;
(e) emasculation; (f) collection of pollen from male parent.
[NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]
Ans. (b); (e); (c); (f); (d); (a).
Q. 13. One of the major approaches of crop improvement programme is Artificial Hybridisation.
Explain the steps involved in making sure that only the desired pollen grain pollinate the
stigma of a bisexual flower by a plant breeder. [CBSE 2023 (57/5/1)]
Ans. The steps involved in artificial hybridisation to make sure that only the desired pollen pollinate
the stigma of a bisexual flower by plant breeder are:
1. Anthers are removed from the bisexual flowers using forceps. This is emasculation and is
done before the anther dehisces.
2. The emasculated flower is covered with a paper bag to prevent contamination from unwanted
pollens. This is called bagging.
3. On attaining maturity, mature pollens from desirable plant are dusted on stigma of bagged
flower and rebagged for fruit development.
Q. 14. Differentiate between geitonogamy and xenogamy in plants. Which one between the two will
lead to inbreeding depression and why? [CBSE Delhi 2011]
Ans. Table 1.10: Differences between geitonogamy and xenogamy
S. No. Geitonogamy Xenogamy
(i) It is transfer of pollen grains from the anther It is transfer of pollen grains from the anther
to the stigma of another flower of same plant. to the stigma of a different plant.
(ii) The pollen grains are genetically similar to the The pollen grains are genetically different
plant. from the plant.

Geitonogamy will lead to inbreeding depression because the pollen grains are genetically similar,
which results in inbreeding. Continued inbreeding will thus reduce fertility and productivity.

44 Xam idea Biology–XII

Q. 15. Write the differences between wind-pollinated and insect-pollinated flowers. Give an example
of each type. [CBSE (F) 2014, 2020]
Ans. Table 1.11: Differences between wind-pollinated and insect-pollinated flowers
S. No. Wind-pollinated flowers Insect-pollinated flowers
(i) These produce large numbers of pollen grains. These produce less number of pollen grains.
(ii) These are dull, nectarless and scentless. These are bright, scented and have nectar.
(iii) Stamens are long and protrude above petals. Stamens lie within the corolla tube.
(iv) The pollen grains are dry, light, small and The pollen grains are larger, heavier with
smooth. appendages like hooks and barbs.
For example, ragweed. For example, sunflower.

Q. 16. (a) Write the characteristic features of anther, pollen and stigma of wind-pollinated flowers.
(b) How do flowers reward their insect pollinators? Explain. [CBSE (AI) 2010, 2012]
Ans. (a) The characteristics of wind-pollinated flowers are:
(i) Pollen grains are light in weight, non-sticky, dry and winged, so that they can be easily
transported.
(ii) Well-exposed stamens for easy dispersal of pollen grains in the wind.
(iii) The stigma is sticky, large, feathery to trap pollen grains in air.
(iv) Numerous flower are packed together to form inflorescence.
(v) The flowers are small and inconspicuous.
(b) Insect pollinators are rewarded in following ways:
(i) The flowers offer floral reward like nectar and pollen grain.
(ii) In some species floral reward provides safe place to lay eggs.
Q. 17. (a) Mention any four strategies adopted by flowering plants to prevent self-pollination.
(b) Why is geitonogamy also referred to as genetical autogamy? [CBSE (AI) 2010]
Ans. (a) Refer to Points to remember 5 [Contrivances for cross-pollination (Xenogamy/Allogamy)].
(b) Geitonogamy is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of another flower
of the same plant. Although geitonogamy is functionally cross-pollination involving a
pollinating agent, genetically it is similar to autogamy, since the pollen grains come from the
same plant.
Q. 18. State the significance of pollination. List any four differences between wind-pollinated and
animal pollinated flowers.
Ans. Pollination is the phenomena of transfer of pollen grains from anthers to the stigma of a pistil.
Pollination is prerequisite for the beginning of fertilisation.
Table 1.12: Differences between wind-pollinated and animal-pollinated flowers
S. No. Wind-pollinated flowers Animal-pollinated flowers
(i) This kind of flower is pollinated by abiotic This kind of flower is pollinated by biotic
pollinating agent. pollinating agent.

(ii) They are small and inconspicuous. They are large, colourful, fragrant and rich in nectar.

(iii) The pollen grains are dry, light and non-sticky The pollen gains are generally sticky in animal
so that they can be easily transported by wind. pollinated flowers.

(iv) The flowers are often clustered so as to carry Flowers reward pollinators in terms of pollen,
out pollination. nectar or safe place to lay eggs.

Q. 19. (a) How does cleistogamy ensure autogamy?

(b) State one advantage and one disadvantage of cleistogamy to the plant.
[CBSE (AI) 2012; Delhi 2013]
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 45
 Ans. (a) Cleistogamous flowers do not open. Therefore, the pollens have to land on the stigma of the
same flower. This ensures autogamy.
(b) Advantage: Self-pollination is assured, thus ensuring seed formation.
Disadvantage: Least variations observed and it leads to inbreeding depression.
Q. 20. (a) Describe the endosperm development in coconut.
(b) Why is tender coconut considered a healthy source of nutrition?
(c) How are pea seeds different from castor seeds with respect to endosperm? [CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans. (a) The primary endosperm nucleus (PEN) undergoes successive nuclear divisions to give rise to
free nuclei. Subsequently, cell wall is formed towards the periphery and endosperm becomes
cellular, leaving free nuclear endosperm in the central part. This division is followed by
cytokinesis and thus endosperm becomes cellular and is called cellular endosperm.
(b) It is rich in many nutrients like fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins. Hence,
tender coconut is considered a healthy source of nutrition.
(c) In peas, the endosperm is used up and there is no endosperm present in the mature seed. In
castor, the endosperm remains intact in the mature seed.
Q. 21. Differentiate between perisperm and endosperm by giving one example of each.
[CBSE (AI) 2012]
Ans. Table 1.13: Differences between perisperm and endosperm
S. No. Perisperm Endosperm
(i) It is persistent nucellus. It is the nutritive tissue for embryo.
(ii) It is diploid. It is triploid.
(iii) Example: black pepper, beet. Example: maize, rice, wheat, castor.

Q. 22. Explain any three advantages the seeds offer to angiosperms. [CBSE 2020, Delhi 2014]
Ans. (i) Since reproductive process such as pollination and fertilisation are independent of water,
seed formation is more dependable.
(ii) Seeds have better adaptive strategies for dispersal to new habitats and help the species to
colonise in other areas.
(iii) As they have sufficient food reserves young seedlings are nourished until they are capable of
photosynthesis on their own.
(iv) The hard seed coat provides protection to the young embryo.
(v) Being products of sexual reproduction, they generate new genetic combinations or
variations. (Any three)
Q. 23. State what is apomixis. Comment on its significance. How can it be commercially used?
[CBSE (AI) 2015; 2019 (57/4/1)]
Ans. It is a special mechanism of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction (to produce
seeds without fertilization), there is no segregation of characters in the progeny, farmers can
develop apomicts of hybrids and use them year after year to cut the cost. 3
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019 (57/4/1)]

Q. 24. (a) How does a farmer use the dormancy of seeds to his advantage?
(b) What advantages a seed provides to a plant? [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Ans. (a) Dormancy of mature seeds are important for storage of seeds which can be used as food
throughout the year and also to raise crop in the next season.
(b) Seeds offer several advantages to angiosperms. Firstly, since reproductive processes such as
pollination and fertilisation are independent of water, seed formation is more dependable.
Also seeds have better adaptive strategies for dispersal to new habitats and help the species to
colonise in other areas. As they have sufficient food reserves, young seedlings are nourished

46 Xam idea Biology–XII

 until they are capable of photosynthesis on their own. The hard seed coat provides protection
to the young embryo. Being products of sexual reproduction, they generate new genetic
combinations leading to variations.
Q. 25. Differentiate between parthenocarpy and parthenogenesis. Give one example of each.
[CBSE 2018]
Ans.

[Topper’s Answer 2018]

Q. 26. For a layman, both apple and banana are fruits. But a biology student categorises fruits as true
fruits, false fruits and parthenocarpic fruits. Justify. [CBSE 2020 (57/1/2)]

Ans. True Fruits: Fruits that develop from mature ovary and are a result of fertilisation. 1

False Fruits: Fruits that develops from ovary along with some other floral parts / thalamus. 1

Parthenocarpic Fruits: Fruits that develop without fertilisation. 1
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2020 (57/1/2)]

Q. 27. ‘Fertilisation is not an obligatory event for fruit production in certain plants’. Explain the
statement. [HOTS]
Ans. This can be observed in parthenocarpic fruits. The ‘seedless fruits’ that are available in the
market, such as cucumber, grapes, etc., are good examples. Flowers of these plants are sprayed
by a growth hormone that induces fruit development even though fertilisation has not occurred.
The ovules of such fruits, however, fail to develop into seeds.
Q. 28. Explain the process of pollination in Vallisneria. How is it different in water-lily, which is also
an aquatic plant? [CBSE 2017 (57/2/1)]
Ans.

[Topper’s Answer 2017]

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 47

 Q. 29. Is pollination and fertilisation necessary in apomixis? Give reasons. [NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]
Ans. No, they are not necessary. Apomixis is actually an alternative to sexual reproduction, although
the female sexual apparatus is used in the process. In apomicts, embryos can develop directly from
the nucellus or synergid or egg. Therefore, there is no need for either pollination or fertilisation.
Q. 30. Embryo sacs of some apomictic species appear normal but contain diploid cells. Suggest a
suitable explanation for the condition. [NCERT Exemplar] [HOTS]
Ans. Many apomictic species have been seen to have normal looking embryo sacs. The only possibility
of the embryo sac possessing diploid cells will be due to failure of meiotic division at the megaspore
mother cell stage. Since the megaspore mother cell has a diploid nucleus, if it undergoes mitosis
instead of meiosis, all the resulting nuclei and cells will be diploid in nature.

Long Answer Questions-II

Each of the following questions are of 5 marks.

Q. 1. Draw a labelled diagram of an anther lobe at microspore mother cell stage. Mention the role
of different wall layers of anther.
Ans. Refer to Fig. 1.3.
Roles of different wall layers of anther:
(i) Epidermis, endothecium and middle layers perform the function of protection and help in
dehiscence of anther to release the pollens.
(ii) Tapetum is the innermost wall layer and it provides nourishment to the developing pollen
grains.
Q. 2.(a) Draw a diagram of an enlarged view of T.S. of one microsporangium of an angiosperm
and label the following parts:
(i) Tapetum (ii) Middle layer
(iii) Endothecium (iv) Microspore mother cells
(b) Mention the characteristic features and function of tapetum.
(c) Explain the following giving reasons:
(i) Pollen grains are well preserved as fossils.
(ii) Pollen tablets are in use by people these days. [CBSE (F) 2011]
Ans. (a) Refer to Fig. 1.3(b).
(b) Tapetum is the innermost wall layer of the microsporangium. It nourishes the developing
pollen grains. Cells of the tapetum possess dense cytoplasm and generally have more than
one nucleus.
  (c) (i) Pollen grains have thick outer exine which is composed of sporopollenin.
Sporopollenin can withstand high temperatures and strong acids and alkalis and are not
degraded by any enzymes. Therefore, they are well preserved as fossils.
(ii) Pollen tablets are used by people because pollens are rich in nutrients so used to increase
performance of athletes and race horses.
Q. 3. Draw a labelled diagram of the sectional view of a mature pollen grain in angiosperms.
Explain the functions of its different parts.
Ans. Exine
Intine
Vegetative cell

Generative cell

48 Xam idea Biology–XII

 Functions:
(i) Pollen grains are generally spherical with a prominent two-layered wall. The hard outer
layer is called exine made up of sporopollenin, which is a resistant organic material.
(ii) Exine can withstand high temperature, strong acids and alkali, thus provide protection.
(iii) It has prominent aperture called germ pore, through which pollen tube comes out.
(iv) Vegetative cell has abundant food reserves.
(v) Generative cell divides mitotically giving rise to two male gametes, before pollen grains are
shed (3-celled stage).
Q. 4. (a) Where is microsporangium located in an angiosperm ? State the functions of tapetum and
the other three layers of microsporangium?
(b) Describe the structure of the male gametophyte produced as a result of microsporogenesis.
(c) State the functions of each part of the male gametophyte. [CBSE 2019 (57/3/3)]
Ans. (a) Microsporangium located in the anther lobe ½

Tapetum: nourishes the developing pollen grain. ½
Epidermis, Endothecium, middle layers: protection and dehiscence (of microsporangium).
½
(b) Structure of Pollen grain/male gemetophyte Exine
(i) Outer wall layer-Exine ½ Intine
Vegetative cell
(ii) Inner wall layer-Intine ½
(iii) Vegetative cell ½
(iv) Generative cell ½ Generative cell
½×4
(c) Function
(i) Exine and Intine - Protection  ½
(ii) Vegetative cell - reserve food material / formation of pollen tube  ½
(iii) Generative cell - formation of two male gametes  ½
 [1½ + 3½= 5 Marks]
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019 (57/3/3)]

Q. 5. Describe in sequence the events that lead to the development of a 3-celled pollen grain from
microspore mother cell in angiosperms. [CBSE (AI) 2010]
Ans. Refer to Points to remember 3 (Microsporogenesis and Pollen grains).
Q. 6. (a) How does microspore mother cell develop into mature pollen grain in angiosperms?
(b) Describe the structure of a mature pollen grain and draw a labelled diagram of its two-
celled stage. [CBSE (F) 2012]
Ans. (a) Refer to Points to remember 3 (Microsporogenesis).
(b) Refer to Points to remember 3 (Pollen grains). For diagram refer to Fig. 1.5 (b)
Q. 7. Draw a diagrammatic sectional view of a mature anatropous ovule and label the following
parts in it:
(a) that develops into an endosperm in an albuminous seed.
(b) through which the pollen tube gains entry into the embryo sac.
(c) that attaches the ovule to the placenta.
Ans. Refer to Fig. 1.7.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 49

Q. 8. (a) Draw a diagram of a mature embryo sac of an angiosperm and label the following parts in it:
(i) Filiform apparatus (ii) Synergids
(iii) Central cell (iv) Egg cell
(v) Polar nuclei (vi) Antipodals
(b) Write the fate of egg cell and polar nuclei after fertilisation. [CBSE Delhi 2013]
Ans. (a) Refer to Fig. 1.8 (c).
(b) After fertilisation egg cell fuses with male gamete to form zygote and polar nuclei fuse with
other male gamete to form primary endosperm nucleus.
Q. 9. (a) Trace the development of megaspore mother cell up to the formation of a mature embryo
sac in a flowering plant.
(b) Draw a labelled diagram of the structure of mature dicot embryo.
[CBSE (AI) 2010; 2019 (57/4/1)]
OR
How does the megaspore mother cell develop into 7-celled, 8 nucleate embryo sac in an
angiosperm? Draw a labelled diagram of a mature embryo sac. [CBSE Delhi 2012]
Ans. (a) Refer to Points to remember 4 (Mega sporogenesis and Mega gametogenesis).
(b) For diagram refer to Fig. 1.14.
Q. 10. (a) Describe any two devices in a flowering plant which prevent both autogamy and geitonogamy.
(b) Explain the events upto double fertilisation after the pollen tube enters one of the synergids
in an ovule of an angiosperm. [CBSE 2018]
Ans.  

[Topper’s Answer 2018]

50 Xam idea Biology–XII

Q. 11. (a) Explain the post-pollination events leading to seed production in angiosperms.
(b) List the different types of pollination depending upon the source of pollen grain.
[CBSE Delhi 2016]
Ans. (a) Refer to Points to remember 6, 8 and 9.
(b) The different types of pollination are:
(i) Autogamy/self-pollination.
(ii) Geitonogamy.
(iii) Xenogamy/cross-pollination.
Q. 12. (a) Explain the characteristic features of wind-pollinated flowers. How are insect-pollinated
flowers different from them?
(b) Explain the mutually rewarding relationship between Yucca plant and a species of moth.
[CBSE (F) 2011]
Ans. (a) Wind-pollinated flowers have light-weight, non-sticky, dry and winged pollens. The well-
exposed stamens help in easy dispersal of pollen grains. The stigma is sticky, large and
feathery to trap pollen grains floating in the air. Numerous flowers are packed together to
form inflorescence.
Insect-pollinated flowers are large, sticky and brightly coloured with honey and nectar
glands to attract insects. They are highly fragrant and the stigma is sticky.
(b) Both Yucca plant and the moth cannot complete their life cycles without each other. The moth
deposits its eggs in the locule of the ovary and the flower in turn, gets pollinated by the moth.
The larvae of the moth come out of the eggs as the seeds start developing.
Q. 13. Make a list of any three outbreeding devices that flowering plants have developed and explain
how they help to encourage cross-pollination. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. (i) Production of unisexual flowers/dioecious plants, cross pollination ensured.
(ii) Self incompatibility, genetic mechanism prevent the pollen germination on the stigma of the
same flower.
(iii) Anther and stigma are placed at different positions, so the pollen cannot come in contact with
the stigma of the same flower.
Q. 14. (a) Plan an experiment and prepare a flow chart of the steps that you would follow to ensure
that the seeds are formed only from the desired sets of pollen grains. Name the type of
experiment that you carried out.
(b) Write the importance of such experiments. [CBSE (AI) 2015]
Ans. (a) Selection of flowers from desired plants emasculation bagging dusting of the
pollens on the stigma of the flowers that were bagged (pollination) rebagging of flower
fruit formed.
The name of the experiment is Artificial hybridisation.
(b) (i) Production of superior or improved varieties of plants. (ii) Improves crop yield.
Q. 15. (a) Draw a labelled long-sectional view of albuminous ‘seed’.
(b) How are seeds advantageous to flowering plants? [CBSE (AI) 2010]
Ans. (a) Refer to Fig. 1.15(c) and (d).
(b) Refer to Points to remember 9 (Advantages of seeds).
Q. 16. (a) Explain the different ways apomictic seeds can develop. Give an example of each.
(b) Mention one advantage of apomictic seeds to farmers.
(c) Draw a labelled mature stage of a dicotyledonous embryo. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
Ans. (a) (i) Diploid egg cell is formed without reduction division and develops into embryo without
fertilisation, e.g., Asteraceae/grasses.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 51

 (ii) In citrus/mango, some of the diploid nucellar cells surrounding the embryo sac start
dividing, protrude into embryo sac and develop into a embryo.
(b) No segregation of character in hybrid seeds, economically beneficial and desired varieties are
cultivated.
(c) Refer to Fig. 1.14.
Q. 17. Explain the events upto fertilisation that occur in a flower after the pollen grain has landed on
its compatible stigma. [CBSE (F) 2016]
Ans. When pollen grain lands over the stigma, it starts germinating and produces a pollen tube through
a germ pore. Pollen tube passes through style and reaches the ovule. The generative cell divides
and forms two male gametes. Finally the pollen tube enters the embryo sac through micropyle.
Now the pollen tube enters the egg apparatus through one of the synergids with the help of filiform
apparatus. The vegetative nucleus degenerates while pollen tube leaves two male gametes in embryo
sac. Now one of the male gamete fuses with the egg cell to form diploid zygote known as syngamy.
The other male gamete fuses with the two already fused polar nuclei (called secondary nucleus)
and forms triploid primary endosperm nucleus (PEN) which later gives rise to endosperm. This is
called triple fusion. Hence syngamy and triple fusion together are known as double fertilisation.
For diagram refer to Fig. 1.12 (a).
Q. 18. (a) Explain the events after pollination leading to the formation of a seed in angiosperms.
(b) Mention the ploidy levels of the cells of different parts of an albuminous seed.
[CBSE (F) 2015]
Ans. (a) Refer to Points to remember 6, 8 and 9.
(b) The embryo is diploid (2n) and the endosperm is triploid (3n).
Q. 19. (a) Explain the phenomenon of double fertilisation.
(b) Draw a labelled diagram of a typical anatropous ovule. [CBSE Delhi 2014]
Ans. (a) Double fertilisation includes syngamy where one of the male gametes fuses with egg cell to form
zygote and triple fusion which includes fusion of second male gamete with two polar nuclei.
(b) Refer to Fig. 1.7.
Q. 20. (a) Draw a L.S. of a pistil showing pollen tube entering the embryo sac in an angiosperm and
label any six parts other than stigma, style and ovary.
(b) Write the changes a fertilised ovule undergoes within the ovary in an angiosperm plant.
[CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans. (a) Refer to Fig. 1.12 (a).
(b) In a fertilised ovule, following changes occur:
(i) Zygote changes into embryo.
(ii) Integument develops into the seed coat.
(iii) Synergids and antipodals degenerate.
(iv) Ovule changes to form the seed.
Q. 21. (a) Draw a schematic labelled diagram of a fertilised embryo sac of an angiosperm.
(b) Describe the stages in embryo development in a dicot plant.
Ans. (a) Refer to Fig. 1.13(a).
(b) For explanation refer to Points to remember 9 (Embryogeny in Dicots).
Q. 22.
(a) As a senior biology student you have been asked to demonstrate to the students of
secondary level in your school, the procedure(s) that shall ensure cross-pollination in a
hermaphrodite flower. List the different steps that you would suggest and provide reasons
for each one of them.
(b) Draw a diagram of a section of a megasporangium of an angiosperm and label funiculus,
micropyle, embryo sac and nucellus. [CBSE (AI) 2016]

52 Xam idea Biology–XII

Ans. (a) The following steps would be followed:
(i) Emasculation or removal of anthers from the flower bud, before the anther dehisce, to
avoid self pollination.
(ii) Bagging, to prevent contamination of its stigma with unwanted pollen grains.
(iii)Rebagging, the stigma of the mature ovary are dusted with desired pollen grains and
rebagged to allow the fruit to develop.
(b) For diagram refer to Fig. 1.7.
23. (a) Double fertilisation is an event unique to all flowering plants. Explain the process.
(b) Give a reason for the following:
(1) A seed of an orange has many embryos.
(2) Cashew is a false fruit but Guava is a true fruit.
Ans. (a) l On reaching synergid, pollen tube releases the two male gametes into cytoplasm of synergid.
l One of the male gamete fuses with egg nucleus to form a diploid cell called zygote. This event

is called syngamy.
l Other male gamete fuses with polar nuclei at the centre to produce a triploid primary

endosperm nucleus (PEN). This is termed as triple fusion.

l As syngamy and triple fusion take place simultaneously in the embryo sac, it is termed as

double fertilisation.
l The central cell after triple fusion forms primary endosperm cell (PEC) which later develops

into endosperm.
l The zygote later develops into an embryo.

   (b) 1. An orange seed has many embryos because:

l Development of cells like synergids, cells of nucellus, cells of integument, into embryo.

l Formation of more than one embryo sac in an ovule.

l Formation of more than one egg in an embryo sac.

2. Cashew is a false fruit because it develops from ovary and the thalamus or other parts of
flower but guava develops only from ovary.
Q. 24. (a) Name the structures which the parts ‘A’ and ‘B’ shown in the diagram below respectively
develop into.
(b) Explain the process of development which ‘B’ undergoes in albuminous and exalbuminous
seeds. Give one example of each of these seeds. [CBSE (F) 2011]

Ans. (a) A develops into an embryo; B develops into endosperm.

(b) Refer to Points to remember 9 (Endosperm Development).
Q. 25.
(a) Draw a labelled diagram of L.S. of a flower to show the growth of pollen tube reaching egg
apparatus.
(b) Pistil of a flower does not accept pollen from any plant other than from its own kind. How
does it happen? Explain.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 53

 Ans. (a) Refer to Fig. 1.12(a).
(b) The pistil has the ability to recognise pollen, whether it is of right type (compatible) or of the
wrong type (incompatible). It is mediated by chemical components of the pollen interacting
with those of the pistil.
Q. 26. Explain double fertilisation and trace the post-fertilisation events in sequential order leading
to seed formation in a typical dicotyledonous plant. [CBSE (F) 2010]
Ans. Double fertilisation: Refer to Points to remember 8.
Following are the post-fertilisation events:
(i) Development of embryo: Embryo develops in fertilised ovule, from the zygote. The early
stages of embryo development from a zygote is known as embryogeny. The formation of
embryo starts only after certain amount of endosperm formation has taken place to assure
the nutrition supply, for development and growth of embryo.
(ii) Development of seeds: Refer to Points to remember 9 (Seed Development).
Q. 27.
(a) Why does endosperm development precede embryo development in angiosperm seeds?
State the role of endosperm in mature albuminous seeds.
(b) Describe with the help of three labelled diagrams the different embryonic stages that
include mature embryo of dicot plants. [CBSE Delhi 2014]
Ans. (a) Endosperm development precedes embryo development because endosperm provides
nutrition for the developing embryo. It is an adaptation to provide assured nutrition to the
developing embryo.
The endosperm provides nutrition during seed germination.
(b) The zygote (in the embryo sac) divides to give rise to pro embryo and subsequently to the
globular, heart shaped and mature embryo as shown in the diagram.
Refer to Fig. 1.13 (b).
Q. 28. Give reasons why:
(a) most zygotes in angiosperms divide only after certain amount of endosperm is formed.
(b) groundnut seeds are exalbuminous and castor seeds are albuminous.
(c) micropyle remains as a small pore in the seed coat of a seed.
(d) integuments of an ovule harden and the water content is highly reduced, as the seed
matures.
(e) apple and cashew are not called true fruits. [CBSE (AI) 2011] [HOTS]
Ans. (a) To obtain nutrition from the endosperm for the developing embryo, zygotes, divide after its
formation.
(b) The groundnut seeds are exalbuminous because the endosperm is completely consumed
during embryo development. Whereas, castor seeds are albuminous because the endosperm
persists and is used up during seed germination.
(c) Micropyle remain as a small pore in the seed coat of a seed for the entry of water and oxygen
required for germination.
(d) To protect the embryo and keep the seed viable, until favourable conditions return for germination.
(e) In apple and cashew, apart from ovary, thalamus also contributes to fruit formation so they
are not true fruits.
Q. 29. A flower of tomato plant following the process of sexual reproduction produce 240 viable seeds.
Answer the following questions giving reasons:
(a) What is the minimum number of pollen grains that must have been involved in the
pollination of its pistil?
(b) What would have been the minimum number of ovules present in the ovary?
(c) How many megaspore mother cells were involved?

54 Xam idea Biology–XII

 (d) What is the minimum number of microspore mother cells involved in the above case?
(e) How many male gametes were involved in this case? [CBSE Delhi 2015] [HOTS]
Ans. (a) 240 pollen grains. One pollen grain participates in fertilisation of one ovule.
(b) 240 ovules. One ovule after fertilisation forms one seed.
(c) 240 MMC were involved. Each MMC forms four megaspores out of which only one remains
functional.
(d) 60 MMCs (240/4 = 60). Each microspore mother cell meiotically divides to form four pollen
grains.
(e) 480 male gametes (240 × 2 = 480). Each pollen grain carries two male gametes (which
participate in double fertilisation).
Q. 30. A flower of brinjal plant following the process of sexual reproduction produces 360 viable seeds.
Answer the following questions giving reasons:
(a) How many ovules are minimally involved?
(b) How many megaspore mother cells are involved?
(c) What is the minimum number of pollen grains that must land on stigma for pollination?
(d) How many male gametes are involved in the above case?
(e) How many microspore mother cells must have undergone reduction division prior to
dehiscence of anther in the above case? [CBSE Delhi 2015] [HOTS]
Ans. (a) 360 ovules are involved. One ovule after fertilisation forms one seed.
(b) 360 MMC are involved. Each MMC forms four megaspores out of which only one remains
functional.
(c) 360 pollen grains. One pollen grains participates in fertilisation of one ovule.
(d) 720 male gametes are involved. Each pollen grain carries two male gametes (which participate
in double fertilisation) (360 × 2 = 720).
(e) 90 MMC undergo reduction division. Each microspore mother cell meiotically divides to
form four pollen grains. (360/4 = 90).
Q. 31. (a) A capsicum flower has 240 ovules in its ovary. But, it produces a fruit with only 180 viable seeds.
Explain giving a reason that could be responsible for such a result.
(b) Describe the development of an endosperm in a viable seed. Why does endosperm
development precede embryo development?
(c) Give an example of an angiosperm seed that has a perisperm. Name the part the perisperm
develops from. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. (a) (i) 240 ovules giving rise to only 180 viable seeds, can be possible only if less number of
pollen grains or male gametes were available.
(ii) All pollen grains did not germinate or did not form pollen tubes.
(iii) Many pollen were not compatible.
(b) For the development of an Endosperm, Refer to Points to remember 9.
Cells of endosperm are filled with reserve food materials that are used for nutrition of
developing embryo. Thus endosperm needs to develop before embryo.
(c) Black pepper and beet have a perisperm. The perisperm develop from the nucellus.
Q. 32. (a) Seeds offer several advantages to angiosperms. Describe any three such advantages.
(b) Why is banana called a parthenocarpic fruit? Would you call banana a true fruit? Give
reason in support of your answer.
Ans. (a) Following are their advantages:
(i) Better adaptive strategies for dispersal to new habitats.
(ii) Hard seed coat provides protection to young embryo .
(iii) Sexual reproduction—new genetic combinations.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 55

 (iv) Sufficient food reserves for the seedling.
(v) Basis of agriculture–storage of seeds can occur due to seed dormancy. (Any three)
(b) Banana fruit develops without fertilisation therefore, it is called parthenocarpic fruit.
Yes, it is a true fruit because it develops from ovary.

Questions for Practice

1. Choose and write the correct option in the following questions.
(i) Filiform apparatus performs the functions of
(a) opening the pollen tube.
(b) guiding the pollen tube to egg.
(c) entry of pollen tube into synergids.
(d) prevents growth of more than one pollen tube.
(ii) Which of the following is true for typical bilobed anther?
(a) 2 theca, 2 sporangia (b) 4 theca, 4 sporangia
(c) 4 theca, 2 sporangia (d) 2 theca, 4 sporangia
(iii) The outermost and innermost wall layers of microsporangium in an anther are
respectively [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) endothecium and tapetum (b) epidermis and endodermis
(c) epidermis and middle layer (d) epidermis and tapetum
(iv) A group of compactly arranged homogenous mass of cells occupying the centre of a typical
microsporangium in an anther is: [CBSE 2022 (57/3/4), Term-I]
(a) Sporogenous tissue (b) Pollen sacs
(c) Micorspore tetrads (d) Spores
(v) Seeds of an orange when taken out and squeezed, show many embroys of different sizes
and shapes. The reason for this is as many embroys have developed from:
[CBSE 2022 (57/3/4), Term-I]
(a) Egg cells fusing with different male gametes forming embroys.
(b) PEN fusing with different male gametes forming embroys.
(c) Nucellar cells dividing and developing into embroys.
(d) Synergids dividing and developing into embroys.
(vi) Figure (i) and Figure (ii) given below are showing two stages of megasporogenesis in a
typical angiosperm plant. [CBSE 2022 (57/3/4), Term-I]

(X)
(Y)

(Z)

Fig. (i) Fig. (ii)

56 Xam idea Biology–XII

 Choose the option showing the correct ploidy of X, Y and Z in the table given below:

X Y Z
(a) 2n n 2n
(b) 2n n n
(c) 2n 3n n
(d) 3n 2n n
(vii) The given figure of an egg apparatus of an angiosperm
shows the entry of pollen tube for releasing the two (Y)
(X)
male gametes. Which of the two from ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’,
(Z)
the two male gametes fuse with:
[CBSE 2023 (57/3/4), Term-I]
(a) X and Z (b) X and Y
(c) Y and Z (d) Z and Z Male gametes

(viii) The thalamus contributes to the fruit formation in

 [CBSE Sample Question Paper 2022, Term-I]
(a) banana (b) orange
(c) strawberry (d) guava
(ix) Endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo in:
[CBSE 2022 (57/3/4), Term-I]
(a) castor and coconut (b) coconut and groundnut
(c) groundnut and pea (d) castor and pea
(x) Select the option that shows the correctly identified ‘U’, ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ in a developing dicot
embryo. [CBSE 2023 (57/3/4)]

X
Z

U
(a) X – Plumule (2n), Y – Suspensor (n), Z – Cotyledon (2n), U – Radicle (2n).
(b) X – Plumule (2n), Y – Suspensor (2n), Z – Radicle (2n), U – Cotyledon (2n).
(c) X – Suspensor (2n), Y – Cotyledon (2n), Z – Radicle (2n), U – Plumule (2n).
(d) X – Cotyledon (2n), Y – Radicle (2n), Z – Plumule (n), U – Suspensor (n).
2. In the following questions a statement of assertion followed by a statement of reason
is given. Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.
(a) Assertion and reason both are correct statements and reason is correct
explanation for assertion.
(b) Assertion and reason both are correct statements but reason is not correct
explanation for assertion.

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants 57

 (c) Assertion is correct statement but reason is wrong statement.
(d) Assertion is wrong statement but reason is correct statement.
(i) Assertion (A) : Microspores are formed from microspore mother cells by mitosis.
Reason (R) : Microspore form pollen grain when anthers mature.
(ii) Assertion (A) : In angiosperms, the mature embryo sac is said to be 8-nucleate.
Reason (R) : I n mature embryo sac there are 3 nuclei at chalazal end, 3 nuclei at
micropylar end and 2 nuclei in the central cell.
(iii) Assertion (A) : Epicotyl develops into radicle on root tip.
Reason (R) : A dicot embryo consist of two cotyledons.
3. What is self-incompatibility?
4. Banana is a parthenocarpic fruit whereas oranges show polyembroyony. How are they different
from each other with respect to seeds?
5. Explain giving two reasons why pollen grains can be best preserved as fossils.
[CBSE (F) 2010]
6. “Pollen grains have some harmful effects”. Discuss.
7. How many haploid cells are present in a mature female gametophyte of a flowering plant?
Name them.
8. Draw a labelled diagram of L.S. of an apple.
9. List three strategies that a bisexual flower can evolve to prevent self-pollination.
10. Trace the development of female gametophyte (embryo sac) from megaspore mother cell in a
flower. Give a labelled diagram of the final stage of female gametophyte.
11. Observe the diagram of pollination by water in Vallisneria.

Answer the following questions based on the diagram.

(a) The following statements (i), (ii) and (iii) seem to describe the water-pollinated submerged
plants. Which one of these statements is incorrect?
(i) The flowers do not produce nectar.
(ii) The pollen grains have mucilaginous covering.
(iii) The brightly coloured female flowers have long stalk to reach the surface.
(b) Mention the pollinating agent of an inflorescence of small dull coloured flowers with well
exposed stamens and large feathery stigma. Give any one characteristic of pollen grains
produced by such flowers.
(c) Name the type of pollination as a result of which genetically different types of pollen
grains of the same species land on the stigma.

58 Xam idea Biology–XII