In seed plants, which of the following is part of a pollen grain and has a function most like that of the seed coat?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sporopollenin that makes up the outer layer of a pollen grain is comparable to the seed coat of a mature seed. Both protect the developing embryo from environmental stresses, such as desiccation and pathogens. The male gametophyte within the pollen grain is similar to the embryo within the mature seed, but it does not fulfill the function of the seed coat. Sporophylls, stigmas, and sporangia are all involved in reproduction in seed plants but are not comparable to the seed coat.

In Seed Plants, Which of the Following Is Part of a Pollen