Question

In plants, which of the following are produced by meiosis?

(A) haploid gametes

(B) diploid gametes

(C) haploid spores

(D) diploid spores

Short answer

(A)The option “haploid gametes” is incorrect.

(B)The option “diploid gametes” is incorrect.

(C)The option “haploid spores” is correct.

(D)The option “diploid spores” is incorrect.

Step-by-step solution

Meiosis in plants

In plants, cell division occurs by meiosis. In meiosis, each parent plant shares half of its genetic material with the offspring. The produced spores then further divide by mitosis and develop into a multicellular haploid organism.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

In plants, the process of mitosis leads to the formation of haploid gametes. The process of meiosis produces spores which, by mitosis, further leads to the formation of spores.

Thus, a haploid gamete is not formed by the process of meiosis.

Therefore, the given option is incorrect.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

The process of mitosis always produces gametes that are in the haploid phase and not in the diploid. The division of diploid cells forms gametes. Thus gametes are always haploid.

Thus, a diploid gamete is not produced in the plants by meiosis.

Therefore, the given option is incorrect.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

In plants, the process of meiosis leads to the formation of haploid spores. The spores are produced when the diploid sporophyte experiences meiosis. In each meiosis, two spores are produced in a microspore and a megaspore.

Thus, the plant cells form haploid spores by meiosis.

Therefore, the given option is correct.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

The fusion of two gametes results in the formation of diploid spores. The phase in which spores are formed is called the sporophyte phase.

Thus, plant cells do not form a diploid spore during meiosis.

Therefore, the given option is incorrect.