Endosperm: Contains 2n chromosomes, where n is the haploid number of chromosomes. If leaf cells have 10 chromosomes each, the endosperm would contain 20 chromosomes.
Zygote: Formed by the fusion of a sperm cell and egg cell during fertilization. Contains 2n chromosomes, similar to the endosperm. Therefore, the zygote would also contain 20 chromosomes.
Formation of Endosperm: Results from double fertilization where one sperm fuses with the egg cell to form the zygote, while another fuses with two polar nuclei to form a triploid endosperm nucleus (3n). The endosperm undergoes mitotic divisions to support embryo development.
Formation of Zygote: Occurs when a sperm cell fertilizes the egg cell within the ovule. This fusion results in a diploid zygote containing a full set of chromosomes from both male and female gametes. The zygote develops into the embryo, leading to the growth of a new maize plant.
