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Question #45281
The Question
A researcher treats a dividing plant meristematic cell () with colchicine to study chromosomal behavior. Which of the following statements regarding the mechanism and consequences of this treatment is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Colchicine acts as a mitotic poison by binding to tubulin subunits, thereby preventing microtubule polymerization.
- B.
The cell cycle is effectively arrested at the metaphase stage because the spindle assembly checkpoint cannot be satisfied.
- C.
The treatment induces polyploidy because the cell completes normal karyokinesis but fails to undergo subsequent cytokinesis.
- D.
The failure of sister chromatid segregation results in a tetraploid cell () rather than an aneuploid condition.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Tubulin_Polymerization|Spindle_Fiber|Anaphase_Bridge
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often conflate the general NCERT definition of polyploidy ('failure of cytokinesis after telophase') with the specific mechanism of colchicine.
Colchicine prevents spindle assembly, meaning the cell never reaches anaphase or telophase; karyokinesis itself fails, making the premise of 'normal karyokinesis followed by cytokinesis failure' factually incorrect for this specific mitotic poison.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Class 11 |
| Concept | Equational Division Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |