Question

Three of the following are evidence thatcharophytes are the closest algal relatives ofplants. Select the exception.

(A) similar sperm structure

(B) the presence of chloroplasts

(C) similarities in cell wall formation during celldivision

(D) genetic similarities in chloroplasts

Short answer

(A) The statement “similar sperm structure” is false.

(B) The statement “the presence of chloroplasts” is true.

(C) The statement “similarities in cell wall formation during cell division” is false.

(D) The statement “genetic similarities in chloroplasts” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Charophytes

Charophytes are a group of green algae that possess many plant-like characteristics. They store carbohydrates as starch and contain cell walls in their structure. They are multicellular in nature.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Charophytes have similar sperm structures. Green algae and brown algae have flagellated sperms. Only members of red algae do not have flagellated sperms.

Thus, the similar sperm structure does not show evidence that charophytes are the closest algal relatives of plants.

Thus, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Charophytes have chlorophyll a and b in the chloroplast, which is also present in algal relatives. Other members of algae have at least chlorophyll a.

Thus, the presence of chloroplast shows evidence that charophytes are the closest algal relatives of plants.

Thus, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Charophytes contain cell walls similar to that of plants. Both contain cellulose in their cell wall structure. They undergo similar cell division called mitosis (the process by which two diploid daughter cells are formed from parent cells).

Thus, the similarity in cell wall structure during cell division shows evidence that charophytes are the closest algal relatives of plants.

Thus, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Chloroplast is the structure inside the plant cell that helps in the process of photosynthesis. It helps in the formation of chemical energy by capturing light energy. Both contain chlorophyll a and b in their structure.

Thus, similarities in chloroplasts show evidence that charophytes are the closest algal relatives of plants.

Thus, the given statement is false.