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Q8(iii):
Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (iii) archegonium
Solution :
Definition & Morphological Foundation
An archegonium (plural: archegonia) is the multicellular, flask-shaped female sex organ found in the life cycles of bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms. It is responsible for the production and protection of the non-motile female gamete, known as the oosphere or egg cell. [Per the evolution of heterospory and land-plant adaptation strategy].
Structural Anatomy
The archegonium is characterized by two distinct regions:
- Venter: The swollen, basal portion of the flask that houses the single, large, haploid egg cell (oosphere).
- Neck: The elongated, tubular upper portion. It contains a series of cells known as neck canal cells, which degenerate at maturity to form a mucilaginous channel through which the male gametes (sperm/antherozoids) travel to reach the egg.
Functional Mechanism & Biological Significance
The development of the archegonium signifies a transition toward terrestrial adaptation. The jacket of sterile cells provides mechanical protection and prevents desiccation of the delicate egg cell. [Justification: Evolution toward embryophyte status].
| Group | Archegonial Complexity |
|---|---|
| Bryophytes (e.g., Funaria) | Complex, typically stalked, large archegonia. |
| Pteridophytes (e.g., Dryopteris) | Embedded in the thalloid prothallus. |
| Gymnosperms (e.g., Pinus) | Greatly reduced; highly specialized within the ovule. |
Examples of Occurrence
- Bryophyta: In Marchantia or Funaria, archegonia are clearly differentiated and produced on the female gametophore.
- Pteridophyta: In ferns like Pteris, they are found on the ventral surface of the heart-shaped prothallus.
- Gymnosperms: In Pinus, they develop within the female gametophyte inside the ovule.
Final Solution: The archegonium is a multicellular, flask-shaped female sex organ characteristic of bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms, comprising a venter containing an egg and a neck that provides a pathway for fertilization; it serves as a critical evolutionary structure for protecting the zygote in terrestrial environments.
More Questions from Class 11 Biology Plant Kingdom EXERCISES
- Q1: What is the basis of classification of algae?
- Q2: When and where does reduction division take place in the life cycle of a liverwort, a moss, a fern, a gymnosperm and an angiosperm?
- Q3: Name three groups of plants that bear archegonia. Briefly describe the life cycle of any one of them.
- Q4: Mention the ploidy of the following: protonemal cell of a moss; primary endosperm nucleus in dicot, leaf cell of a moss; prothallus cell of a ferm; gemma cell in Marchantia; meristem cell of monocot, ovum of a liverwort, and zygote of a fern.
- Q5: Write a note on economic importance of algae and gymnosperms.
- Q6: Both gymnosperms and angiosperms bear seeds, then why are they classified separately?
- Q7: What is heterospory? Briefly comment on its significance. Give two examples.
- Q8(i): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (i) protonema
- Q8(ii): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (ii) antheridium
- Q8(iv): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (iv) diplontic
- Q8(v): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (v) sporophyll
- Q8(vi): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (vi) isogamy
- Q9(i): Differentiate between the following:- (i) red algae and brown algae
- Q9(ii): Differentiate between the following:- (ii) liverworts and moss
- Q9(iii): Differentiate between the following:- (iii) homosporous and heterosporous pteridophyte
- Q10: Match the following (column I with column II) Column I Column II (a) Chlamydomonas (i) Moss (b) Cycas (ii) Pteridophyte (c) Selaginella (iii) Algae (d) Sphagnum (iv) Gymnosperm
- Q11: Describe the important characteristics of gymnosperms.
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology Plant Kingdom
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Cell – The Unit of Life
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Transport in Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Neural Control and Coordination
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
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