Question

The number of chromosomes in the shoot tip cells of a maize plant is 20. The number of chromosomes in the microspore mother cells of the same plant shall be:

• A. 40
• B. 20
• C. 10
• D. 15

Answer 1

The correct option is B 20

Meristematic cells:

The number of chromosomes present in the meristematic cells of the shoot tip of the maize plant is 20. This implies that the diploid number is 20.

Microspore mother cells:

Microspore mother cells present in the microsporangium are diploid in nature and undergo meiosis to form four haploid microspores (which later get transformed into pollen grains). Therefore, the chromosome number of the microspore mother cell is also 20.



Final answer

a. 20