Highest number of chromosomes is found in the gamete of

Options

A. (a) Onion
B. (b) Potato
C. (c) Rice
D. (d) Ophioglossum

Answer

To determine which plant has the highest number of chromosomes in its gametes, we will analyze the ploidy levels of several plants and their corresponding gamete chromosome counts.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Ploidy**:
- Ploidy refers to the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell. For example, diploid (2n) means two sets, while haploid (n) means one set.

2. **Analyzing Onion**:
- The onion has a diploid number of chromosomes represented as 2n = 16.
- To find the number of chromosomes in its gametes (haploid), we divide by 2:
- Gamete (haploid) = n = 16/2 = 8.

3. **Analyzing Potato**:
- The potato is tetraploid, represented as 4n = 48.
- To find the haploid number:
- Gamete (haploid) = n = 48/4 = 12.

4. **Analyzing Rice**:
- Rice is also diploid, represented as 2n = 24.
- To find the haploid number:
- Gamete (haploid) = n = 24/2 = 12.

5. **Analyzing Ophioglossum**:
- Ophioglossum is an exceptional case with a very high ploidy level of 2n = 1440.
- To find the haploid number:
- Gamete (haploid) = n = 1440/2 = 720.

6. **Comparing Results**:
- Onion: 8 chromosomes in gametes.
- Potato: 12 chromosomes in gametes.
- Rice: 12 chromosomes in gametes.
- Ophioglossum: 720 chromosomes in gametes.

7. **Conclusion**:
- The plant with the highest number of chromosomes in its gametes is **Ophioglossum**, with 720 chromosomes.

### Final Answer:
The highest number of chromosomes is found in the gamete of **Ophioglossum**.

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