Question

Which of the following characters can be used to distinguish gymnosperms from angiosperms?
A. Presence of naked ovules in gymnosperms
B. Presence of pollen chamber in gymnosperms
C. Presence of stomata in angiosperms
D. Presence of vessels in gymnosperms

Answer 1

Hint:- Angiosperms and Gymnosperms are vascular plants that belong to the Subkingdom Phanerogamae. These plants bear seeds. Angiosperms are characterized by the presence of specialized structures called flowers. A flower contains an ovary within which are present ovules. After fertilization, an ovary turns into a fruit and ovules form seeds.

Complete Answer:-
The origin of Gymnosperms dates back to 390 million years ago in the Palaeozoic era. They are a small group of embryophytes having needle-like leaves with a thick cuticle and sunken stomata. They include the conifers, cycads, gnetophytes, and Ginkgo biloba. Gymnosperms are heterosporous and form specialized reproductive structures called cones or strobilus. The male and female cones are found either on the same or different plants. The male cones bear microsporangium which contains pollen grains or microspores. The female cones bear ovules which develop on the scales of cones instead of ovaries. Thus, they do not form fruits after fertilization and ovules develop into seeds that remain naked. The seeds enclose the embryo and endosperm together inside a protective seed coat.
Thus, the right option is A.

Additional information:-
Sequoia or the giant Redwood is a gymnosperm which is the tallest tree, whereas, Zamia is the smallest gymnosperm known on earth. Ginkgo or maidenhair tree is considered a living fossil.

Note:- In a gymnosperm, the function of the pollen chamber is to facilitate the storage of pollen grains after pollination. Usually, the vascular tissue like Xylem is devoid of vessels. However, an exception is found in the case of Gnetophytes where secondary xylem contains vessels.