A mature embryo sac of a flowering plant typically contains 6 haploid cells. These are:
- 3 antipodal cells
- 2 synergid cells
- 1 egg cell
In addition to these, there is a central cell that contains 2 polar nuclei, which are also haploid nuclei but are usually counted as part of a single cell (the central cell). Thus, the embryo sac is described as a 7-celled, 8-nucleated structure overall, but the number of haploid cells (distinct cells) is 6
. Summary:
- Haploid cells: 6 (3 antipodals + 2 synergids + 1 egg cell)
- Total cells in mature embryo sac: 7 (including the central cell with 2 polar nuclei)
- Haploid nuclei: 8 (including the 2 polar nuclei inside the central cell)
