NCERT SOLUTIONS FOR CLASS 12 BIOLOGY CHAPTER 2 SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

Welcome to Swastik Classes’ NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 – Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants. In this chapter, we will explore the fascinating process of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, which involves the fusion of gametes to produce genetically diverse offspring. We will delve into the anatomy of a flower, the various modes of pollination, the structure and functions of male and female reproductive organs, and the process of fertilization. We will also discuss the development of seeds and fruits, and the role of different agents in seed dispersal. Through our comprehensive NCERT solutions, we aim to provide you with a thorough understanding of the concepts covered in this chapter and help you excel in your biology exams. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of sexual reproduction in flowering plants!

Answers to the class 12  biology questions provided in the exercise might be challenging for students for a number of reasons. One should not omit any NCERT textbook content in order to get the highest possible grade. Use the Swastik Classes’ NCERT answers for biology class 12 as a resource. Important exam-based questions are covered in depth in each chapter.

NCERT SOLUTIONS FOR CLASS 12 BIOLOGY Chapter 2 Sexual Reproduction In Flowering Plants – Exercises

Answer the following Questions.

Question1. Name the parts of an angiosperm flower in which development of male and female gametophyte take place.

Solution :
The male gametophyte or the pollen grain develops inside the pollen chamber of the anther, whereas the female gametophyte (also known as the embryo sac) develops inside the nucellus of the ovule from the functional megaspore.

Question2. 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.

Solution :
(a)

Microsporogenesis	Megasporogenesis
1.	It is the process of the formation of microspore tetrads from a microspore mother cell through meiosis.	It is the process of the formation of the four megaspores from a megaspore mother cell in the region of the nucellus through meiosis
2.	It occurs inside the pollen sac of the anther.	It occurs inside the ovule.

(b) Both events (microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis) involve the process of meiosis or reduction division which results in the formation of haploid gametes from the microspore and megaspore mother cells.

(c) Microsporogenesis results in the formation of haploid microspores from a diploid microspore mother cell. On the other hand, megasporogenesis results in the formation of haploid megaspores from a diploid megaspore mother cell.

Question3. Arrange the following terms in the correct developmental sequence:

Pollen grain, sporogenous tissue, microspore tetrad, pollen mother cell, male gametes

Solution :
The correct development sequence is as follows:

Sporogenous tissue – pollen mother cell – microspore tetrad – Pollen grain – male gamete

During the development of microsporangium, each cell of the sporogenous tissue acts as a pollen mother cell and gives rise to a microspore tetrad, containing four haploid microspores by the process of meiosis (microsporogenesis). As the anther matures, these microspores dissociate and develop into pollen grains. The pollen grains mature and give rise to male gametes.

Question4. With a neat, labelled diagram, describe the parts of a typical angiosperm ovule.

Solution :
An ovule is a female megasporangium where the formation of megaspores takes place.

The various parts of an ovule are – 

• Funiculus – It is a stalk-like structure which represents the point of attachment of the ovule to the placenta of the ovary.
• Hilum – It is the point where the body of the ovule is attached to the funiculus.
• Integuments –They are the outer layers surrounding the ovule that provide protection to the developing embryo.
• Micropyle – It is a narrow pore formed by the projection of integuments. It marks the point where the pollen tube enters the ovule at the time of fertilization. 
• Nucellus – It is a mass of the parenchymatous tissue surrounded by the integuments from the outside. The nucellus provides nutrition to the developing embryo. The embryo sac is located inside the nucellus.
• Chalazal – It is the based swollen part of the nucellus from where the integuments originate.

Question5. What is meant by monosporic development of female gametophyte?

Solution :
The female gametophyte or the embryo sac develops from a single functional megaspore. This is known as monosporic development of the female gametophyte. In most flowering plants, a single megaspore mother cell present at the micropylar pole of the nucellus region of the ovule undergoes meiosis to produce four haploid megaspores. Later, out of these four megaspores, only one functional megaspore develops into the female gametophyte, while the remaining three degenerate.

Question6. With a neat diagram explain the 7-celled, 8-nucleate nature of the female gametophyte. 

Solution :

The female gametophyte (embryo sac) develops from a single functional megaspore. This megaspore undergoes three successive mitotic divisions to form eight nucleate embryo sacs. 

The first mitotic division in the megaspore forms two nuclei. One nucleus moves towards the micropylar end while the other nucleus moves towards the chalazal end. Then, these nuclei divide at their respective ends and re-divide to form eight nucleate stages. As a result, there are four nuclei each at both the ends i.e., at the micropylar and the chalazal end in the embryo sac. At the micropylar end, out of the four nuclei only three differentiate into two synergids and one egg cell. Together they are known as the egg apparatus. Similarly, at the chalazal end, three out of four nuclei differentiates as antipodal cells. The remaining two cells (of the micropylar and the chalazal end) move towards the centre and are known as the polar nuclei, which are situated in a large central cell. Hence, at maturity, the female gametophyte appears as a 7-celled structure, though it has 8 nucleate.

Question7. What are chasmogamous flowers? Can cross-pollination occur in cleistogamous flowers? Give reasons for your answer.

Solution :
There are two types of flowers present in plants namely Oxalis and Viola − chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers. Chasmogamous flowers have exposed anthers and stigmata similar to the flowers of other species.

Cross-pollination cannot occur in cleistogamous flowers. This is because cleistogamous flowers never open at all. Also, the anther and the stigma lie close to each other in these flowers. Hence, only self-pollination is possible in these flowers.

Question8. Mention two strategies evolved to prevent self-pollination in flowers.

Solution :
Self-pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the stamen to the pistil of the same flower. Two strategies that have evolved to prevent self-pollination in flowers are as follows:

• In certain plants, the stigma of the flower hasthecapability to prevent the germination of pollen grains and hence, prevent the growth of the pollen tube.It is a genetic mechanism to prevent self-pollination called self- incompatibility. Incompatibility may be between individuals of the same species or between individuals of different species. Thus, incompatibility prevents breeding.
• In some plants, the gynoecium matures before the androecium or vice-versa. This phenomenon is known as protogyny or protandry respectively. This prevents the pollen from coming in contact with the stigma of the same flower. 

Question9. What is self-incompatibility? Why does self-pollination not lead to seed formation in self-incompatible species?

Solution :
Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism in angiosperms that prevents self-pollination. It develops genetic incompatibility between individuals of the same species or between individuals of different species.

The plants which exhibit this phenomenon have the ability to prevent germination of pollen grains and thus, prevent the growth of the pollen tube on the stigma of the flower. This prevents the fusion of the gametes along with the development of the embryo. As a result, no seed formation takes place.

Question10. What is bagging technique? How is it useful in a plant breeding programme?

Solution :
Various artificial hybridization techniques (under various crop improvement programmes) involve the removal of the anther from bisexual flowers without affecting the female reproductive part (pistil) through the process of emasculation. Then, these emasculated flowers are wrapped in bags to prevent pollination by unwanted pollen grains. This process is called bagging.

This technique is an important part of the plant breeding programme as it ensures that pollen grains of only desirable plants are used for fertilization of the stigma to develop the desired plant variety. 

Question11. What is triple fusion? Where and how does it take place? Name the nuclei involved in triple fusion.

Solution :
Triple fusion is the fusion of the male gamete with two polar nuclei inside the embryo sac of the angiosperm.  This process of fusion takes place inside the embryo sac.

When pollen grains fall on the stigma, they germinate and give rise to the pollen tube that passes through the style and enters into the ovule. After this, the pollen tube enters one of synergids and releases two male gametes there. Out of the two male gametes, one gamete fuses with the nucleus of the egg cell and forms the zygote (syngamy). The other male gamete fuses with the two polar nuclei present in the central cell to form a triploid primary endosperm nucleus. Since this process involves the fusion of three haploid nuclei, it is known as triple fusion. It results in the formation of the endosperm.

One male gamete nucleus and two polar nuclei are involved in this process.

Question12. Why do you think the zygote is dormant for sometime in a fertilized ovule?

Solution :
The zygote is formed by the fusion of the male gamete with the nucleus of the egg cell. The zygote remains dormant for some time and waits for the endosperm to form, which develops from the primary endosperm cell resulting from triple fusion. The endosperm provides food for the growing embryo and after the formation of the endosperm, further development of the embryo from the zygote starts.

Question13. Differentiate between:

(a) Hypocotyl and epicotyl;

(b) Coleoptile and coleorrhiza;

(c) Integument and testa;

(d) Perisperm and pericarp.

Solution :
Differentiate between

(a)

Hypocotyl	Epicotyl
1.	The portion of the embryonal axis below the level of cotyledons is called the hypocotyl.	The portion of the embryonal axis above the level of cotyledons is called epicotyl.
2.	It terminates at its lower end in the radicle or root tip covered with a root cap.	It terminates with the plumule.
3.	In epigeal germination, the hypocotyl elongates so that the cotyledons come out of the soil.	In hypogeal germination, the epicotyl elongates so that the cotyledons remain in the soil.

(b) 

Coleoptile	Coleorrhiza
1.	It is a conical protective sheath over the epicotyl bearing the shoot apex and leaf primordia.	It is a protective sheath over the radicle and root cap.
2.	It has a terminal pore for the emergence of the first leaf.	It is a solid structure.
3.	It comes out of the soil.	It remains inside the soil.
4.	It protects the plumule during its emergence from the soil.	It does not protect the radicle during its passage into the soil.
5.	It grows much beyond the grain.	It stops growing after its emergence from the grain.
6.	It emerges from the soil, turns green in colour and carries out photosynthesis.	It remains inside the soil and is non-green.

(c) 

Integument	Testa
1.	It is the protective covering of the ovule.	It is the protective covering of the seed.
2.	It is a thin covering.	It is a thick covering.
3.	The cells are living.	The cells are dead.
4.	Sclereids are absent in the cells.	Sclereids are present in abundance in the cells.
5.	It arises from the chalazal end of the ovule.	It is derived from the outer integument of the ovule.
6.	It is a pre-fertilisation structure.	It is a post-fertilisation structure.

(d) 

Perisperm	Pericarp
1.	It represents residual persistent nucellus.	It represents the fruit wall derived from the ovary wall.
2.	It is part of the seed.	It is part of the fruit.
3.	It is generally dry.	It can be dry or fleshy.
4.	It is often non-functional for the seed.	It acts like a protective covering, helps in dispersal and providing nutrition.
5.	It is present only in few seeds.	It is found in all fruits.

Question14. Why is apple called a false fruit? Which part(s) of the flower forms the fruit?

Solution :
Fruits derived from the ovary and other accessory floral parts are called false fruits. On the contrary, true fruits are those fruits which develop from the ovary, but do not consist of the thalamus or any other floral part. In an apple, the fleshy receptacle forms the main edible part. Hence, it is a false fruit.

Question15. What is meant by emasculation? When and why does a plant breeder employ this technique?

Solution :
Emasculation is the process of removing anthers from bisexual flowers without affecting the female reproductive part (pistil), which is used in various plant hybridization techniques.

Emasculation is performed by plant breeders in bisexual flowers to obtain the desired variety of a plant by crossing a particular plant with the desired pollen grain. To remove the anthers, the flowers are covered with a bag before they open. This ensures that the flower is pollinated by pollen grains obtained from desirable varieties only. Later, the mature, viable, and stored pollen grains are dusted on the bagged stigma by breeders to allow artificial pollination to take place and obtain the desired plant variety.

Question16. If one can induce parthenocarpy through the application of growth substances, which fruits would you select to induce parthenocarpy and why?

Solution :
Parthenocarpy is the process of developing fruits without involving the process of fertilization or seed formation. Therefore, the seedless varieties of economically important fruits such as orange, lemon, water melon etc. are produced using this technique. This technique involves inducing fruit formation by the application of plant growth hormones such as auxins.

Question17. Explain the role of tapetum in the formation pollen-grain wall.

Solution :
The tapetum is the innermost layer of the microsporangium. It provides nutrition to the developing pollen grains. It secretes enzymes, hormones and special proteins for the pollen grains to recognise compatibility. It produces Ubisch granules for the formation of exine of pollen grain. The tapetum secretes pollenkitt over the outer side of mature pollen.

Question18. What is apomixis and what is its importance?

Solution :
Apomixis is the process of asexual production of seeds, without fertilisation.
Importance

• It is a cost effective method for producing seeds.
• Hybrid seeds can be cultivated
• It has great use for plant breeding when specific traits of a plant have to be preserved.

Conclusions for NCERT SOLUTIONS FOR CLASS 12 BIOLOGY CHAPTER 2 SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 – Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants by Swastik Classes provide a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the complex process of sexual reproduction in flowering plants. Through our solutions, we have covered the anatomy of flowers, modes of pollination, reproductive organs, fertilization, seed and fruit development, and seed dispersal.
We have presented the concepts in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for students to grasp the content. Our solutions also include diagrams and illustrations that aid in visualizing the different processes involved in sexual reproduction in flowering plants.
By going through our NCERT solutions, students can gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in this chapter, which will help them score better in their exams. We hope that our solutions have been useful to you in your learning journey, and we wish you all the best for your biology exams.

What are the different modes of pollination discussed in NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 by Swastik Classes?
Answer: The different modes of pollination discussed in NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 are self-pollination and cross-pollination. In self-pollination, the pollen from the anther of a flower is transferred to the stigma of the same flower or a different flower on the same plant. In cross-pollination, the pollen from the anther of one plant is transferred to the stigma of a flower on a different plant.

What is the role of agents like wind and animals in seed dispersal, as discussed in the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 by Swastik Classes?
Answer: Wind and animals play a crucial role in seed dispersal. Wind helps in dispersing lightweight seeds, such as those of dandelions, by carrying them away from the parent plant. Animals, on the other hand, can disperse seeds in several ways. For instance, animals can eat fruits that contain seeds and later excrete the seeds at a different location, thus aiding in seed dispersal. Additionally, some fruits have hooks or spines that attach to the fur or feathers of animals, which help in seed dispersal.

How does double fertilization occur in flowering plants, as explained in the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 by Swastik Classes?
Answer: Double fertilization is a unique feature of flowering plants, in which two sperm cells are involved in fertilizing the egg and the polar nuclei. The pollen tube penetrates the ovule and releases two sperm cells. One sperm fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote, which develops into the embryo, while the other sperm fuses with the two polar nuclei to form the triploid endosperm, which nourishes the developing embryo.

What are the advantages of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, as discussed in the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 by Swastik Classes?
Answer: Sexual reproduction in flowering plants provides several advantages, such as genetic diversity, adaptation to changing environments, and evolution. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes, resulting in offspring with diverse genetic characteristics, which increases the chances of survival in changing environments. Additionally, sexual reproduction allows for the evolution of new traits and the adaptation to new ecological niches.

How does the development of seeds and fruits take place after fertilization, as explained in the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 2 by Swastik Classes?
Answer: After fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed, while the ovary develops into a fruit. The developing seed is protected by the ovule and contains the embryo, endosperm, and seed coat. The endosperm provides nutrients to the developing embryo, while the seed coat protects the embryo from external damage. The ovary, which contains one or more seeds, develops into a fruit that protects the seeds and aids in their dispersal. The fruit may have fleshy or dry walls, depending on the type of plant, and may be dispersed by wind, water, or animals.