Question

Chromosome number in a flowering plant can be

• A.
  Haploid and diploid
• B.
  Haploid, diploid and polypoid
• C.
  Only haploid
• D. Only diploid

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Haploid, diploid and polypoid
Introduction to haploidy
The ploidy of a cell is said to be haploid when it has only a single set of chromosomes. Haploid condition is represented by n.

Introduction to diploidy
The ploidy of a cell is said to be diploid when it has two sets of chromosomes (chromosomes present as homologous pairs), each set received from one of the parents. Diploid condition is represented by $2n$.

Introduction to polyploidy
The ploidy of a cell is said to be polyploid when it has more than two sets of paired homologous chromosomes. Polyploidy can be expressed as triploidy $\left(3n\right)$, tetraploidy $\left(4n\right)$, etc.

Chromosome number in angiosperms
A flowering plant has diploid somatic cells, haploid gametophytes and a triploid endosperm tissue (formed due to triple fusion between the central cell having $2$ haploid polar nuclei and the haploid male gamete). Thus, chromosome numbers in the cells of a flowering plant can be haploid, diploid or polyploid.