Question

How many divisions must occur in a cell of root tip to form 128 cells?

• A. 128
• B. 127
• C. 64
• D. 8

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

8

The plant cell divides mitotically to form two cells. For the formation of 128 cells, the plant cell needs to divide 2${}^n$ times. When the parent cell will divide for the first time to produce 2 cells, this is the first division. Later on, the two cells will divide 2${}^7$ times for the production of 128 cells. So, the total number of mitotic divisions by one cell in the root tip to form 128 cells will be 8 divisions.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.