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Question #45344
The Question
In an experiment, an exogenous application of an auxin-cytokinin mixture to an angiosperm ovule disrupts the programmed cell death (PCD) of synergids post-fertilization. This triggers the totipotent synergids to undergo embryogenesis alongside the normal zygote. Regarding this hormonally-induced polyembryony, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The synergid-derived embryos will be diploid maternal clones, similar to the nucellar embryos found in Citrus.
- B.
The developing seed will contain a mixture of haploid and diploid embryos.
- C.
The primary endosperm nucleus (PEN) may experience developmental arrest due to competitive resource diversion.
- D.
This phenomenon represents apogamy, as the embryos originate from gametophytic cells other than the egg.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Synergids|Antipodal_cells|Phytohormones
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often rote-learn the NCERT example of polyembryony in Citrus/Mango and falsely generalize that ALL polyembryony results in diploid maternal clones.
The trap exploits the failure to distinguish between sporophytic adventive embryony (nucellus/integument origin = 2n maternal clones) and gametophytic polyembryony (synergid/antipodal origin = n, genetically distinct).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants - Class 12 |
| Concept | Polyembryony Mechanisms |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |