Question

The following type of cell divisions occurs in microspore mother cells to increase their number in microsporangium:

• A. Meiosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Amitosis
• D. Endomitosis

Hint:

Mitosis is essential for increasing the number of cells, such as microspore mother cells, ensuring there are enough cells to undergo meiosis for gamete production.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In plants, the microspore mother cells divide to increase their number through mitosis before undergoing meiosis to produce microspores. Mitosis allows for the growth and multiplication of these cells while maintaining the same chromosome number. Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
- Meiosis is the process by which the chromosome number is halved and haploid microspores are formed, but it does not increase the number of mother cells.
- Amitosis is a simpler and less common form of cell division where the nucleus divides directly, not typically involved in the complex developmental processes of plants.
- Endomitosis involves the doubling of chromosomes without cell division, leading to polyploid cells, which does not serve the purpose of increasing cell numbers through division. Thus, the correct answer is Mitosis, as it is responsible for increasing the number of microspore mother cells prior to meiosis.