After double fertilization of the squash flower, all the floral whorls and leaves will wither and fall except: A - Corolla B - Androecium C - Corolla and stamens D - Corolla and ovary
Answer (1)
In the context of the double fertilization in flowering plants like squash, it's important to understand what happens to the different parts of the flower after fertilization. After double fertilization, the process in which one sperm cell fertilizes the egg cell forming a zygote and another sperm cell fertilizes the central cell to form the endosperm, many parts of the flower that are no longer needed will wither and fall away.
Corolla (Petals): These are usually the brightly colored parts of the flower and serve primarily to attract pollinators. After fertilization, the petals are typically no longer needed and will often wither.
Androecium (Stamens): These are the male parts of the flower, consisting of anthers and filaments, where pollen is produced. Once pollination and fertilization are complete, these parts usually also wither away.
Corolla and Stamens: As explained above, both the corolla and stamens generally wither after fertilization.
Corolla and Ovary: While the corolla may indeed wither, the ovary is a different case. The ovary is part of the female reproductive structure of the flower, which after fertilization, develops into the fruit containing the seeds. Thus, the ovary does not wither right after fertilization, but instead, it enlarges and transforms.
The correct choice in the context of what does not wither and fall after double fertilization is D - Corolla and Ovary as the ovary remains and transforms into the fruit.
In summary, after double fertilization, parts like the corolla and stamens typically wither, while the ovary plays a critical role in fruit and seed development, thus not withering.
