Question

If the number of chromosomes in the egg cell of a plant is 8, then what would be the number of chromosomes in its endosperm?

• A. 8
• B. 16
• C. 24
• D. 12

Hint:

Remember the ploidy levels in a typical angiosperm: Egg cell (n), Zygote (2n), and Endosperm (3n). If you are given the chromosome number for any one of these, you can easily calculate the others.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question deals with the ploidy levels of different cells in an angiosperm during its life cycle. The key is to know the process of double fertilization which forms the zygote and the endosperm.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:


The egg cell in an angiosperm is haploid (n).
The endosperm is formed by the fusion of one male gamete (n) with the central cell, which contains two polar nuclei (n + n).
Therefore, the endosperm is triploid (3n).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:


We are given that the number of chromosomes in the egg cell is 8. Since the egg cell is haploid, we have:
\[ n = 8 \]
The endosperm is triploid, meaning its chromosome number is 3n.

We can now calculate the number of chromosomes in the endosperm:
\[ \text{Endosperm chromosomes} = 3n = 3 \times 8 = 24 \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The number of chromosomes in the endosperm would be 24.