Question

explain how the male and female gametophytes fit into the life cycle of pines.

Answer 1

Pines belong to gymnosperm and heterosporous (2n), that means they produce different spores (male and female) and in the life cycle of pines, male and female cones are the most crucial component for the life cycle of this plant, male cone produces male gametophytes (pollen, haploid gamete), transferred to female gametophytes through wind. In case of female gametophyte a production, which happens inside the female cone, forms 4 haploid (n) megaspores out of which only megaspore transform in to female gametophytes (n) through division. Male and female gametes (survived female game) fuse together and fertilization takes place and produces embryo (diploid, 2n).