Question

The meiocyte of an angiosperm has $24$ chromosomes. How many chromosomes are found in its (a) Zygote and (b) Endosperm cells?

Answer 1

Meiocyte is a diploid cell (2n) that divides meiotically to produce haploid gametes (n). Meiocyte has 24 chromosomes and each gamete contains 12 chromosomes. The union of two haploid gametes develops diploid zygote (2n) and thus the chromosome number will be 24. Endosperm is developed due to the fusion of two polar nuclei and one of the male gamete; thus, endosperm cell is triploid (3n). So, endosperm cell will have 36 (12x3) chromosomes.