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Question #45843
The Question
A diploid angiosperm species (2n) exhibiting adventive embryony is treated with colchicine to induce stable tetraploidy (4n). To produce viable seeds, this apomictic plant still requires pollination for endosperm development (pseudogamy). Which of the following statements regarding the structural components of its resulting seeds is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The apomictic embryos and the perisperm will both possess a tetraploid (4n) genetic constitution, as both are derived from maternal sporophytic tissue.
- B.
The process of apomixis allows this plant to bypass potential sterility issues, as the embryos develop without the obligate requirement of bivalent pairing during meiosis.
- C.
The endosperm will possess a higher ploidy level than the perisperm because its formation involves the fusion of maternal polar nuclei with a paternal male gamete.
- D.
The perisperm will adapt to the altered genome count by undergoing triple fusion, thereby maintaining the necessary maternal-to-zygotic genome ratio for seed filling.
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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
Aneuploidy_vs_Polyploidy|Apomixis_Genetics|Perisperm_vs_Pericarp
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot & Functional Confusion: The question tests the student's ability to firmly distinguish between the developmental origins of two distinct nutritive tissues in seeds: the Perisperm and the Endosperm.
The trap relies on 'Scientific Word Salad'—using advanced concepts like 'altered genome counts' and 'maternal-to-zygotic ratios' to trick students into forgetting the fundamental NCERT fact that the perisperm is the persistent nucellus and never undergoes triple fusion.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Principles of Inheritance and Variation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Aneuploidy vs Polyploidy |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |