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Question #46920
The Question
While studying polyembryony and seed development, a researcher compares the seeds of Pinus (a gymnosperm) and Citrus (an angiosperm). Which of the following statements correctly highlights the fundamental difference in their nutritional investment and embryonic origin?
Options
- A.
The endosperm in Pinus is a triploid tissue formed post-fertilization to conserve maternal resources, whereas in Citrus, it is a haploid female gametophyte.
- B.
Multiple embryos in Pinus arise via cleavage of the zygote and are nourished by a haploid pre-fertilization tissue, whereas extra embryos in Citrus arise from diploid nucellar cells and are nourished by a triploid post-fertilization tissue.
- C.
Both Pinus and Citrus exhibit nucellar polyembryony, but the nutritive tissue in Pinus is derived from the diploid megasporangium, unlike the triploid endosperm of Citrus.
- D.
The extra embryos in Citrus are genetically distinct from the maternal parent due to syngamy, whereas the multiple embryos in Pinus are genetically identical clones of the maternal sporophyte.
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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
Polyembryony Mechanisms|Gymnosperm Endosperm Identity|Taxonomic Classification
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the developmental timing of endosperm (pre-fertilization haploid vs. post-fertilization triploid) and the genetic identity of polyembryonic embryos (zygotic cleavage vs. maternal nucellar tissue).
Common Misconception: Students often assume 'endosperm' universally implies a 3n post-fertilization product and that all polyembryony results in maternal clones, failing to differentiate between cleavage polyembryony (zygotic twins) and nucellar polyembryony (maternal apomictic clones).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | The Living World - Class 11 |
| Concept | Botanical and Zoological Codes |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |