What is the function of antipodal cells? (2024)

FAQs

What is the function of antipodal cells? ›

These are situated at the opposite end to the micropyle and are called antipodal cells. In some plants, these cells supply nutrition to the whole gametophyte. It also takes part in the supply of nutrition during embryo formation. Also, they help in signaling and provide positional information about the embryo sac

Antipodals are nutritive in function. It nourishes the embryo sac. Synergid is essential for angiosperm reproduction..it produce an attractant that guides the pollen tube to the female gametophyte .

Antipodal cells The three haploid cells in the mature embryo sac of flowering plants that are situated at the opposite end to the micropyle. The female gametophyte of most flowering plants forms four cell types after cellularization, namely synergid cell, egg cell, central cell and antipodal cell.

The cells present in the embryo sac at the moment of fertilization are known as synergids and antipodals. The zygote is created when the male gamete and the egg fertilize each other. After that, along with the synergids, the antipodal cells also disintegrate, and the ovary becomes a fruit.

The female gametophyte develops within the ovule and generally consists of three antipodal cells, one central cell, two synergid cells, and one egg cell (Figures 1A and 1B). The female gametophyte is also commonly called the embryo sac or megagametophyte.

These are situated at the opposite end to the micropyle and are called antipodal cells. In some plants, these cells supply nutrition to the whole gametophyte. It also takes part in the supply of nutrition during embryo formation. Also, they help in signaling and provide positional information about the embryo sac.

Synergid cells are 2 specialized cells which are located into embryo sac of female gametophyte, beside egg cells. Functions: It nourishes the ovum and give direction in the pollen tube. Synergids are majorly engaged in blooming plant reproduction.

Two distinct points on a sphere are called diametrically opposed points if they are on the same line through the center of the sphere. Diametrically opposed points on the sphere are also called antipodal points. If P=(a,b,c) is on S2 then the point diametrically opposed to it is −P=(−a,−b,−c).

Definition of 'antipodal'

1. of or relating to diametrically opposite points on the earth's surface. 2. exactly or diametrically opposite.

Epipetalous stamens are those that are connected to the petals. The flowers of the Solanaceae family are equipped with epipetalous stamens. Example - brinjal.

Do the antipodal cells disappear after fertilization? ›

There are observations that the antipodal cells persist beyond fertilization even when the other cell types are no longer present in the female gametophyte of Arabidopsis and thus organizes into seven cells and four cell types rather than four cells and three cell types (Song, Li and Venkatesan, 2014) [103].

Synergidsbegin to degenerate immediately after pollination. Antipodals usually degenerate before or soon after fertilization in most plants and therefore considered vestigial. Q. In angiosperms, the zygote is diploid while the primary endosperm cell is triploid.

- Both Synergids and antipodal cells develop haustoria in the embryo sac but the haustorial behavior of antipodal cells is known in many plants because antipodal cells are rich in nutritive function as they provide nutrients for the embryo sac.

Antipodals – They are the vegetative cells of the embryo sac. They are three in number. They are present towards the chalazal end. Thus, the number of synergids and antipodals present in a typical angiosperm embryo sac at maturity are two and three respectively.

Hence, antipodal cells are haploid while endosperm is triploid.

In maize, the antipodal cells have papillate cell walls suggesting they can act as a transfer tissue for fluid and nutrient movement (Diboll & Larson, 1966), and in both species there is the possibility that they provide positional information post-fertilization for seed development.

The function of the antipodal cells is to provide nourishment to the egg cell. It is rich in lipid content. They also form the basis of endosperm production. The synergids consists of filiform apparatus which guides the pollen tube and the pollen tube discharges its content into one of the synergids.

Synergidsbegin to degenerate immediately after pollination. Antipodals usually degenerate before or soon after fertilization in most plants and therefore considered vestigial.

Inside the embryo sac are three antipodal cells, two synergids, a central cell, and the egg cell. An embryo sac is missing the synergids.