Question

The process of double fertilization (triple fusion) was discovered by
A. Nawaschin
B. Leeuwenhoek
C. Starsburger
D. Hafmeister

Answer 1

The process of double fertilization occurs in plants. Plants are the multicellular eukaryotic organisms. Plants cannot move, as they are fixed at a position with the help of roots. Plants are too essential for the sustainability of life on this Earth. Because plants produce Oxygen and food with the help of the process of photosynthesis, upon which all the animals depend.

Complete Answer:
- Nawaschin discovered the process of double fertilization in flowering plants.
- Double fertilization is a process in which one of the male gamete fuses with the ovum of the female and results in zygote while another male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei to form primary endosperm nucleus (PEN).
- The process of double fertilization is also called as the triple fusion because two polar nuclei fuse with the male gamete and form a triploid nucleus.
- The resulting zygote is a diploid cell represented by ‘2n’ and the resultant primary endosperm nucleus is a triploid cell which is represented by ‘3n’.
- The zygote later develops into a new plant and PEN develops into the endosperm. Endosperm provides nutrition to the growing embryo.

Significance of double fertilization:
- Two products that are zygote and endosperm are obtained as a result of double fertilization.
- This type of fertilization utilizes both the male gametes produced by the pollen grains.
- It increases the viability of the seeds of angiosperms.
- Due to double fertilization there are the chances of polyembryony and the plant has better chances of survival.

Additional information:
- Strasburger: Fertilization in flowering plants was discovered by Ralph B. Strasburger in 1884.
- Hoffmeister: Wilhelm Hoffmeister was the german biologist and botanist. He discovered the alternation of generations in the life cycle of plants.
- Leeuwenhoek: Anton van Leeuwenhoek discovered a living cell. He is known as the Father of Microbiology.

Hence, option A is the correct answer for this question.

Note: Fertilization is a process that comes under sexual reproduction which involves two opposite sexes. This process is essential for the continuity of life on the Earth. And also because of the process of sexual reproduction evolution occurs over a period of time.