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.
Explanation A) Explanation and/or example Microsporogenesis is the process of formation of haploid spores from a diploid, microspore mother cell by meiosis. The meiosis of a diploid, megaspore mother cell forms four haploid megaspores. This is called megasporogenesis. B) Explanation and/or example The arrangement of the microspores in a spore tetrad in microsporogenesis is usually tetrahedral. In megasporogenesis, however, the megaspores in a tetrad show linear arrangement. C) Explanation and/or example While all the four microspores are functional, only one megaspore is functional. D) Explanation and/or example Microsporogenesis takes place in the microsporangium while megasporogenesis occurs inside the megasporangium. Final answer Meiosis occurs during both microsporogenesis as well as megasporogenesis. Pollen grain in the male gametophyte is the end product of microsporogenesis. Embryo sac is the final product formed in the female gametophyte at the end of megasporogenesis. In the process of microsporogenesis, a diploid micro sporophyte (pollen mother cell), after meiosis, produces four haploid microspores. In megasporogenesis, a diploid megaspore mother cell, after meiosis, forms four haploid megaspores.
