Question

Which of the following characteristics of plants is absent in their closest relatives, the charophyte algae?

(A) chlorophyll b

(B) cellulose in cell walls

(C) sexual reproduction

(D) alternation of multicellular generations

Short answer

(A) The statement “chlorophyll b”is false.

(B) The statement “cellulose in cell walls” is false.

(C) The statement “sexual reproduction” is false.

(D) The statement “alternation of multicellular generations” is true.

Step-by-step solution

Algae

Algae are organisms that belong to Kingdom Protista as well as Plantae kingdom in the domain Eukarya. They can be either unicellular or multicellular. Charophyte is one of the types of algae that are the closest relative of land plants.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Chlorophyll (a and b)is the pigment that is responsible for the green color of the plant. It is found in both plants and charophytes. It helps the plants and green algae to generate energy in their structure by absorbing light energy and converting it into chemical energy.

Thus, chlorophyll b is present in both plants and charophytes.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Cellulose is the substance that forms the cell wall of the plant and green algae (such as charophyte) and protects them from the invasion of bacteria. It consists of glucose monomers in its structure.

Thus, cellulose is present in the cell wall of both plants and charophytes.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Sexual reproduction is the process by which a new organism is formed that requires the involvement of both parents. This process occurs in plants, as well as charophytes. It helps in variation and evolution (genetic changes that take place after many generations).

Thus, sexual reproduction takes place in both plants and charophytes.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

The term alteration of generation indicates alteration of the life cycle (sexual and asexual phase) of particular organisms such as plants species. It takes place in plants but not in charophytes.

Thus, alteration of multicellular generation does not take place in charophytes.

Therefore, the given statement is true.