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Question #46258
The Question
In a mutant plant of the family Asteraceae, the androecium exhibits normal syngenesious cohesion, facilitating the characteristic 'piston mechanism' for pollen release. However, a targeted mutation completely inhibits the synthesis of sporopollenin by the tapetal cells. Which of the following best describes the reproductive outcome for this plant?
Options
- A.
The syngenesious condition will revert to a polyandrous state, as sporopollenin acts as the cementing agent between adjacent anther lobes.
- B.
Pollen grains will lack a protective exine and degrade prematurely under mechanical or environmental stress during presentation, leading to reproductive failure.
- C.
Pollen viability remains unaffected, but fertilization fails because the absence of sporopollenin prevents the formation of a continuous intine.
- D.
The generative cell will fail to divide into two male gametes, as sporopollenin directly regulates mitotic divisions within the pollen grain.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Syngenesious|Monadelphous|Sporopollenin|Exine
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: This question tests the synthesis of Plant Morphology (syngenesious condition in Asteraceae) and Sexual Reproduction (role of tapetum and sporopollenin).
The common misconception is that a chemical defect in the pollen wall might alter macroscopic floral morphology (anther cohesion) or internal cellular division.
The key is recognizing that macroscopic delivery mechanisms (anther tube) can function perfectly, but the microscopic payload (pollen) will fail mechanically without its protective exine armor.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Morphology of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Androecium Cohesion/Adhesion |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |