Question

Figure 26.8

At what stage does the diploid zygote form?

a. when the female cone begins to bud from the tree

b. at fertilization

c. when the seeds drop from the tree

d. when the pollen tube begins to grow

Short answer

The correct option is b. at fertilization

Step-by-step solution

Step 1

Fertilization is the fusion of sperm nucleus and female nucleus takes place to form a diploid zygote.

Step 2

The diploid zygote forms after the pollen tube has finished forming so that the male generative nucleus (sperm) can fuse with the female egg.

Step 3

Upon fertilization, a diploid zygote forms.