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Question #46232
The Question
During an experiment, a chemical inhibitor that specifically blocks the accumulation and fusion of Golgi-derived vesicles at the spindle equator is applied to the shoot apical meristem (SAM) of a mustard plant. Which of the following best describes the cascading cellular and morphological consequences?
Options
- A.
The cells will undergo cytokinesis via cleavage furrow formation, maintaining the alternate phyllotaxy characteristic of mustard.
- B.
The precursor of the middle lamella fails to form, resulting in a multinucleate condition in the SAM and the disruption of its characteristic alternate phyllotaxy.
- C.
The phragmoplast forms normally but primary cell wall deposition is blocked, causing the SAM to shift predictably from alternate to opposite phyllotaxy.
- D.
Spindle fibers fail to attach to kinetochores, causing polyploidy and an immediate transition to a whorled phyllotaxy.
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
Leaf Vernation and Phyllotaxy|Plant Cell Cytokinesis|Phragmoplast
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize cell division and plant morphology as isolated chapters.
The pivot here is connecting the cellular mechanism of plant cytokinesis (cell plate/Golgi vesicles) to its macroscopic developmental outcome (SAM organization and phyllotaxy).
The trap involves confusing the stages of M-phase (spindle attachment vs. cytokinesis) or incorrectly applying animal cell mechanisms (furrowing) to plant cells.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Morphology of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Leaf Vernation and Phyllotaxy |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |