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Question #46916
The Question
In a wild-type angiosperm, the shoot apical meristem (SAM) exhibits indeterminate growth, producing flowers laterally in an acropetal succession. A targeted genetic mutation causes the main axis of this plant to prematurely terminate into a flower. Which of the following statements regarding the morphological and developmental consequences of this mutation is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The inflorescence architecture of the plant has fundamentally shifted from racemose to cymose.
- B.
Any subsequent lateral flowers produced by the plant will now follow a basipetal succession.
- C.
The mutation prevents the conversion of the primary shoot apical meristem into a floral meristem.
- D.
The mutation alters a fixed morphological character traditionally utilized in the taxonomic categorization of angiosperm families.
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
Taxonomic Hierarchical Rank|Inflorescence Types|Meristematic Polarity
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
The Conceptual Pivot lies in understanding the cellular basis of inflorescence types.
Students often memorize 'Racemose = indeterminate' and 'Cymose = determinate' without realizing that 'determinate' biologically means the primary Shoot Apical Meristem (SAM) has lost its indeterminate identity and terminally differentiated into a floral meristem.
The trap in Option C exploits the misconception that terminating growth means the meristem failed to develop, when in fact, it successfully differentiated into a terminal flower.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | The Living World - Class 11 |
| Concept | Taxonomic Hierarchical Rank |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |