4. With a neat, labelled diagram, describe the parts of a typical angiosperm ovule.
The diagram of a typical angiosperm ovule is as follows:
An ovule consists of a funicle, micropyle, integuments, nucellus, embryo sac, hilum, chalaza etc.
Funicle - It is the stalk of the ovule which connects the ovule to the placenta. Funicle is short and multicellular.
Hilum - It is the point where the funicle connects the main body of the ovule.
Integuments - These are the layers that surround the ovule. There can be an outer integument and an inner integument. The main function of integuments is to protect the inner tissues.
Micropyle - The opening which is present at the top of integuments is called micropyle. The main function of micropyle is to allow the entry of the pollen tube into the ovule.
Nucellus - Integuments surround parenchymatous tissue which constitutes the main body of the ovule and is called nucellus. The primary function of nucellus is to provide nutrition to the developing embryo.
Chalaza - The swollen part of the ovule present opposite to the micropyle is called the chalaza.
Embryo sac- It is present in the nucellus and it contains a female gamete called an egg.