Question

Calculate the number of chromosomes involved in double fertilisation of a maize plant, given the diploid chromosome number of maize is 20.

• A. 70
• B. 100
• C. 50
• D. 80

Answer 1

The correct option is C 50

• Total diploid number of chromosomes in maize plant is 20.
• During gamete formation, the number becomes 10 after meiotic division. Therefore, the male gametes and the cells of the embryo sac will have chromosome number 10.
• In double fertilisation, one haploid male gamete fuses with one haploid female gamete, and the number of chromosomes involved is 10 + 10 = 20.
• Another haploid male gamete fuses with a diploid polar nuclei, and the number of chromosomes involved is 10 + 20 = 30.
• Hence, the total number of chromosomes involved in double fertilisation of maize will be 20 + 30 = 50.