Before You Begin
Question #45287
The Question
A farmer cultivates a hybrid plant species where cytological analysis of the ovule reveals that the megaspore mother cell (MMC) directly develops into a diploid embryo sac. During this process, there is a complete absence of recombination nodules. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the biological phenomenon and its genetic consequence?
Options
- A.
The plant exhibits parthenocarpy, ensuring the production of seedless fruits with high genetic variability.
- B.
The plant undergoes apomixis, which prevents the segregation of beneficial traits and maintains hybrid vigor in the progeny.
- C.
The absence of recombination nodules indicates a failure of the synaptonemal complex during mitosis, leading to polyembryony.
- D.
The plant exhibits obligate cross-pollination, as the absence of crossing over in the MMC necessitates genetic contribution from pollen.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Recombination Nodule Function|Apomixis Genetics
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the definition of apomixis ('seeds without fertilization') but fail to connect it to its cytological basis (the absence of meiotic structures like recombination nodules and the synaptonemal complex).
The question tests the ability to link a microscopic meiotic bypass to its macroscopic agricultural application (maintaining hybrid vigor by preventing trait segregation).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Class 11 |
| Concept | Recombination Nodule Function |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |