What is the Difference Between Generative Nucleus and Pollen Tube Nucleus?

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The generative nucleus and the pollen tube nucleus are two types of nuclei found in plants during sexual reproduction. The key differences between them are:

  • Function: The generative nucleus is involved in fertilization, while the pollen tube nucleus guides the growth of the pollen tube within the pistil.
  • Formation: The generative nucleus divides to produce two male gamete nuclei, which are involved in double fertilization. The pollen tube nucleus, on the other hand, is a separate nucleus that guides the growth of the pollen tube.
  • Location: The generative nucleus is located in the pollen grain, while the pollen tube nucleus is found in the vegetative cell of the pollen tube.
  • Ploidy: Both the generative nucleus and the pollen tube nucleus are haploid, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes found in the plant's normal cells.

In summary, the generative nucleus is involved in fertilization and produces male gametes, whereas the pollen tube nucleus guides the growth of the pollen tube through the pistil. Both nuclei are haploid and play crucial roles in plant sexual reproduction.

Comparative Table: Generative Nucleus vs Pollen Tube Nucleus

Here is a table comparing the differences between the generative nucleus and the pollen tube nucleus:

Feature Generative Nucleus Pollen Tube Nucleus
Function Male gamete, involved in fertilization with female nuclei Guides pollen tube growth within the pistil into the embryo sac
Origin Produced when the pollen grain nucleus divides by mitosis Created by mitotic division of a microspore during pollen grain development
Number Two generative nuclei in each pollen tube Single tube nucleus in each pollen tube
Ploidy Haploid Haploid
Fusion Fuses with female nuclei during fertilization Does not fuse with female nuclei

Both the generative nucleus and the pollen tube nucleus are haploid, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. The generative nucleus is involved in fertilization, while the pollen tube nucleus guides the pollen tube's growth into the embryo sac.