NEET 2008 Biology question

Select one of the following pairs of important features distinguishing Gnetum from Cycas and Pinus and showing affinities with angiosperms

(1)Embryo development and apical meristem
(2)Absence of resin duct and leaf venation
(3)Presence of vessel elements and absence of archegoniaCorrect
(4)Perianth and two integuments

Answer: (3)

Solution

Gnetum (order Gnetales) is the gymnosperm that comes closest to angiosperms. Unlike Cycas and Pinus, its secondary xylem contains true vessel elements (a feature otherwise typical of angiosperms), and its female gametophyte is highly reduced with no (typical) archegonia formed, again an angiosperm-like trend. Hence

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Question ID VK-090035