A generative cell and a tube cell originate when __________.

• A. a microsporocyte undergoes meiosis
• B. a microsporocyte undergoes mitosis
• C. a microspore undergoes meiosis and cytokinesis
• D. microspore mother cells undergo mitosis and cytokinesis
• E. a microspore undergoes mitosis and cytokinesis

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: In the life cycle of flowering plants, pollen grains are produced in the anthers of flowers. These pollen grains develop from microspores.
2. Identify the process: Microspores are haploid cells that result from the meiotic division of a diploid microsporocyte. Each microsporocyte undergoes meiosis to produce four haploid microspores.
3. Focus on the development of pollen grains: Each microspore undergoes mitosis to form a pollen grain. During this mitotic division, two cells are produced: a generative cell and a tube cell.
4. Recognize the role of cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, dividing the cytoplasm of the parent cell into two daughter cells. In this case, it ensures the separation of the generative cell and the tube cell.
5. Conclude the process: The generative cell will eventually divide again to form two sperm cells, while the tube cell will develop into the pollen tube, which is crucial for fertilization in plants.