- A Polyploid plant cells generally contain a greater overall number of mitochondria, generating somewhat more growth energy overall in many documented cases
- B Having multiple chromosome sets often increases cell size and metabolic activity; odd-ploidy plants cannot form viable gametes, resulting in seedlessness
- C Polyploidy specifically activates otherwise largely dormant genes that subsequently produce additional plant growth hormones according to conventional understanding
- D Polyploid plants characteristically develop noticeably thicker cell walls that retain somewhat more water, enlarging organs gradually in routine practice
Correct answer: B. Having multiple chromosome sets often increases cell size and metabolic activity; odd-ploidy plants cannot form viable gametes, resulting in seedlessness
Explanation: Polyploidy increases cell size due to more genetic material and cytoplasm. Odd-ploidy plants (e.g., triploid watermelon) cannot undergo normal meiosis to form viable gametes, resulting in seedless fruits. Colchicine is used to create triploid seedless watermelons.
Concept context
Learn about animal husbandry, plant breeding, tissue culture, biofortification, and single cell protein.
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