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Question #45330
The Question
In species like Citrus and Mangifera, adventive embryony leads to the formation of multiple embryos within a single seed. If a farmer sows these seeds derived from a highly productive hybrid plant, which of the following statements accurately describes the genetic outcome and its cytological basis?
Options
- A.
The embryos derived from the nucellus will maintain the exact hybrid genotype of the maternal parent because they originate from diploid sporophytic tissue without undergoing meiosis and syngamy.
- B.
All embryos within the seed will be genetically identical to each other because they are formed by the cleavage of a single zygote, thus preserving hybrid vigour.
- C.
The nucellar embryos will exhibit segregation of traits because they develop from the gametophytic tissue of the embryo sac that has bypassed fertilization.
- D.
The embryos arise from the unfertilized egg cell undergoing apomixis, ensuring that the resulting progeny are haploid clones of the maternal plant.
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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
Nucellar Polyembryony|Apospory|Embryo Sac
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The Conceptual Pivot lies in distinguishing between the origins of different apomictic embryos.
Students often confuse gametophytic apomixis (development from an unfertilized egg/synergid) with sporophytic apomixis (adventive embryony from the nucellus/integument).
Recognizing that the nucellus is maternal sporophytic (2n) tissue is crucial to understanding why these embryos are diploid clones that maintain hybrid vigour without trait segregation.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants - Class 12 |
| Concept | Embryogeny Directionality |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |