The largest cell of the embryo sac is the central cell.
Understanding the Central Cell in the Embryo Sac
The embryo sac, also known as the female gametophyte in flowering plants (angiosperms), contains several important cells. Among these, the central cell stands out due to its size and crucial role in fertilization.
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Size and Structure: The central cell is characterized by its large size and a highly vacuolated cytoplasm.
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Reserve Food: The cytoplasm is rich in reserve food materials and Golgi bodies, essential for nourishing the developing embryo after fertilization.
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Polar Nuclei: A key feature of the central cell is the presence of two polar nuclei. These nuclei are typically located in the center of the cell.
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Fusion Nucleus: Often, the two polar nuclei fuse together to form a single diploid secondary nucleus, also known as the fusion nucleus. This fusion is a critical step in preparation for double fertilization.
In summary, the central cell, with its large size, vacuolated cytoplasm, reserve food, and polar nuclei, is indeed the largest and a vital component of the embryo sac.
