Question

What is the function of the synergids?

Answer 1

Hint: A part of the female gametophyte and helps in fertilization.

Complete answer:
The female gametophyte of most flowering plants is made up of four types of cells – synergid cells, egg cell, central cell, and antipodal cell.
These synergid cells are located in the female gametophyte and are essential for reproduction in angiosperm.
Functions of synergids
They absorb nutrients from surrounding nucellus and nourish female gametophytes.
The filiform apparatus secretes a chemical substance that helps in attracting the pollen tube towards the embryo sac.
One of the two synergid cells degenerate and provide a way for the entry of the pollen tube in the embryo sac.
They act as a shock absorber at the time of the entry of the pollen tubes in the embryo sac.
Sometimes, synergids act as haustoria which helps in the transportation of nutrients.

Additional information:
Synergid cells are generally present in pairs and are arranged laterally in the egg cell. They are characterized by the presence of finger-like projections called filiform apparatus.
This filiform apparatus is present towards the micropylar end. It is formed due to the presence of finger-like projections or Invaginations in the cell wall of the protoplasm.
The filiform apparatus guides the entry of the pollen tube and releases sperm cells.

Note: Synergid cells degenerate after the formation of Primary Endosperm Nucleus (PAN) which is formed as a result of the fusion between egg cell and male gamete.