Question

In angiosperms, which process involves the fusion of male gamete with the egg cell?

• A. Double fertilization
• B. Syngamy
• C. Fragmentation
• D. Pollination

Hint:

Be precise with terminology. While syngamy is a component of double fertilization in angiosperms, the term 'syngamy' specifically refers to the fusion of the male gamete and the egg. 'Double fertilization' refers to the entire process involving both fusions (syngamy and triple fusion).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The question seeks the term for the union of a male gamete and a female gamete (egg cell) in flowering plants (angiosperms).
Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
Examining the options within the context of angiosperm reproduction:


Pollination: The transfer of pollen from anther to stigma. It precedes fertilization, but isn't gamete fusion.

Syngamy: The general term for the fusion of two gametes, forming a diploid zygote. In angiosperms, it denotes the fusion of one male gamete with the egg cell.

Double fertilization: An angiosperm-unique process involving two fertilization events:

Fusion of one male gamete with the egg cell (syngamy), yielding the zygote.
Fusion of the second male gamete with two polar nuclei in the central cell, creating the triploid primary endosperm nucleus (PEN).
While syngamy occurs during double fertilization, the question asks specifically about male gamete and egg cell fusion, which is syngamy.

Fragmentation: Asexual reproduction where organism fragments develop into new individuals, unrelated to gamete-involved sexual reproduction.

Step 3: Conclusion:
The fusion of a male gamete and egg cell is specifically termed syngamy. Double fertilization is a broader process that includes syngamy. Thus, syngamy is the most precise answer.