Double fertilization reduces the energetic cost of reproduction.In gymnosperms,the female gametophyte stockpiles food for the embryo in advance of fertilization.The investment is wasted if no zygote ever forms.In contrast,double fertilization ensures that an angiosperm devotes energy to the zygote only if sperm fertilizes egg.What do the sperm fertilize in a double fertilization?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In double fertilization, one sperm fertilizes the egg to form a zygote, while the other sperm fertilizes the two polar nuclei in the female gametophyte to form the endosperm, which provides nourishment for the developing embryo. Therefore, the sperm fertilize both the egg and the two polar nuclei in double fertilization.

Double Fertilization Reduces the Energetic Cost of Reproduction