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Question #47532
The Question
Although algae lack true meristems, their vegetative cells exhibit totipotency. If a parenchymatous green algal thallus is cultured in an artificial medium where the ratio of Cytokinin to Auxin is maintained at a significantly high level, which of the following morphological responses is most consistent with the principles of hormonal differentiation?
Options
- A.
Disruption of basal polarity, forcing the unorganized parenchymatous cells to differentiate into specialized, shoot-like appendages.
- B.
Rapid proliferation of an undifferentiated callus mass followed by the extensive formation of rhizoid-like structures.
- C.
Immediate cessation of vegetative growth and induction of sporic meiosis to produce haploid zoospores.
- D.
Complete unresponsiveness, as the differentiation action of these phytohormones strictly requires a pre-existing vascular cambium.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Phytoplankton|Algal_Thallus|Ecosystem_Productivity
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the 'High Cytokinin = Shoot, High Auxin = Root' rule strictly in the context of angiosperm tissue culture.
This question tests the synthesis of two NCERT concepts: the Skoog and Miller hormonal ratio and the totipotent, non-meristematic nature of the algal thallus.
The trap lies in assuming lower plants cannot respond to these hormones without vascular tissue (Option D) or confusing the specific outcome of the ratio (Option B).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Plant Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Algal Thallus Organization |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |