Question

In gymnosperms, the ovule is naked, because
(a) Ovary wall is absent
(b) Integuments are absent
(c) Perianth is absent
(d) Nucellus is absent

Answer 1

The gymnosperms are a class of plants that produce seeds and are commonly known as 'naked seed plants'. The spermatophytes are the composition of gymnosperms and angiosperms. They are also known for forming mutual relationships with fungi.

Complete answer:
In gymnosperms, the ovule is naked because the ovary wall is absent and therefore the ovules stay unprotected and naked. Normally the ovules are bound to parts of the inner side of ovary walls known as the placentae.

Additional information:
- The largest class of gymnosperms present now are the conifers and the second largest group are the cycads accompanied by gnetophytes and Ginkgo biloba.
- Double fertilization is a highly integrated fertilization process which is absent in gymnosperms and the process contains the fusion of a female gametophyte (egg cell) with the twin male gametes (sperm)
- Double fertilization was found several decades ago by Sergei Nawaschin and Grignard who independently observed the process of double fertilization.
So, the correct answer is 'Ovary wall is absent'

Note:
- The whole gymnosperms in the world contain 12 major families and 83 genera which include almost 1000 known species. Most of these species form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizae for better water and nutrition absorption.
- Of the 1000 known species of gymnosperm existing now are known to be formed in the late Carboniferous period, which substitutes the lycopsid rainforests present in the tropical region.
- Gymnosperms are applied a lot in industrial use and known for making soaps, perfumes, nail polishes, cedar, etc. They are also made use of economically by creating artifacts.