Megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis were examined in Glycine max with light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy. Megasporogenesis results in a linear tetrad of four megaspores. Megagametophyte development is of the Polygonum type, with the functional chalazal megaspore undergoing three successive mitotic divisions to produce an eight‐nucleate, seven‐celled mature megagametophyte. The central cell becomes packed with starch. At fertilization, the antipodals are degenerate, the polar nuclei have fused, starch is diminished, and the egg occupies most of the micropylar portion of the megagametophyte. Several pollen tubes were occasionally observed at each micropyle, yet only one was involved in fertilization. Pollen tube entry occurs through a slightly reduced, viable synergid cell. Endosperm development precedes embryo growth. These results describing normal development allow important comparison with genetic mutants of soybean that affect female fertility.