Question

Choose the correct answers from the alternatives given.
If the endosperm of an angiosperm contains 24 chromosomes, the number of chromosomes
in the root tip cells will be

• A. 8
• B. 16
• C. 24
• D. 32

Answer 1

The correct option is B 16

One sperm cell fuses with the egg forming the diploid zygote. The other sperm cell fuses with the polar nuclei forming the endosperm nucleus. Most angiosperms have two polar nuclei so the endosperm is triploid (3n). Endosperm has 3n chromosomes. So, for finding n = 24/3 = 8. Now, the other cells are all diploid and will have 2n chromosomes, such as root tip cells chromosome number will be, 2*8= 16.

So, the correct option is, '16'.