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Question #46255
The Question
A plant species exhibits obligate apomixis, producing seeds without fertilization. However, it continues to invest heavy metabolic energy in developing large, brightly colored petals with twisted aestivation. Which of the following best explains the retention of these complex floral whorls despite the absence of syngamy?
Options
- A.
Floral organ identity genes are expressed prior to the apomictic switch, and pollination may still be necessary to trigger endosperm development.
- B.
Twisted aestivation facilitates the obligate cross-pollination required to induce genetic recombination in apomictic embryos.
- C.
The metabolic energy invested in the corolla is directly reabsorbed by the nucellar cells to fuel the development of aposporous embryos.
- D.
The plant utilizes the twisted corolla to enforce cleistogamy, preventing foreign pollen entry to ensure clonal seed formation.
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
Twisted_Aestivation|Embryo_Sac|Parthenogenesis
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The 'Metabolic Trap' of Apomixis.
Students often assume that because apomixis bypasses syngamy, the entire pollination apparatus is obsolete.
This ignores 'Pseudogamy' (where pollination is still required for endosperm formation) and the sequential nature of plant evo-devo, where floral whorl differentiation precedes megasporogenesis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Morphology of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Aestivation Patterns |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |