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Ch. 29 - Plant Diversity I: How Plants Colonized Land
Campbell - Campbell Biology 12th Edition
Urry12th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9785794169850Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksUrry 12th EditionCh. 29 - Plant Diversity I: How Plants Colonized LandProblem 3
Chapter 29, Problem 3

In angiosperms, which of the following is correctly paired with its chromosome count?
a. Microspore—n
b. Zygote—n
c. Egg—2n
d. Megaspore—2n

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the life cycle of angiosperms, which includes alternation of generations between a diploid sporophyte and a haploid gametophyte.
Recall that in angiosperms, the microspore is a haploid cell (n) that develops into the male gametophyte or pollen grain.
Recognize that the zygote is formed by the fusion of two haploid gametes (egg and sperm), resulting in a diploid cell (2n).
Remember that the egg cell is a haploid cell (n) produced by the female gametophyte.
Identify that the megaspore is a haploid cell (n) that develops into the female gametophyte, not diploid (2n).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chromosome Count in Angiosperms

In angiosperms, the chromosome count varies between different stages of the plant's reproductive cycle. Haploid cells, denoted as 'n', contain a single set of chromosomes, while diploid cells, denoted as '2n', contain two sets. Understanding which cells are haploid or diploid is crucial for determining the correct chromosome count in various reproductive structures.
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Microspore and Megaspore Development

Microspores and megaspores are part of the plant's reproductive process. Microspores are haploid (n) and develop into male gametophytes, while megaspores are also haploid (n) and develop into female gametophytes. These spores are produced through meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.
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Zygote Formation in Angiosperms

A zygote is formed when two haploid gametes, an egg and a sperm, fuse during fertilization. This fusion results in a diploid cell (2n), which will develop into a new organism. Understanding the transition from haploid gametes to a diploid zygote is essential for comprehending the reproductive cycle of angiosperms.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Three of the following are evidence that charophytes are the closest algal relatives of plants. Select the exception.

a. Similar sperm structure

b. The presence of chloroplasts

c. Similarities in cell wall formation during cell division

d. Genetic similarities in chloroplasts

Textbook Question

Which of the following characteristics of plants is absent in their closest relatives, the charophyte algae?

a. Chlorophyll b

b. Cellulose in cell walls

c. Sexual reproduction

d. Alternation of multicellular generations

Textbook Question

Microphylls are found in which plant group?

a. Lycophytes

b. Liverworts

c. Ferns

d. Hornworts

Textbook Question

Suppose an efficient conducting system evolved in a moss that could transport water and other materials as high as a tall tree. Which of the following statements about “trees” of such a species would be true?


a. Spore dispersal distances would probably decrease.

b. Females could produce only one archegonium.

c. Unless its body parts were strengthened, such a “tree” would probably flop over.

d. Individuals would probably compete less effectively for access to light.

Textbook Question

Identify each of the following structures as haploid or diploid.

a. Sporophyte

b. Spore

c. Gametophyte

d. Zygote