If the diploid number of a flowring plant is 36. what would be the chromosome number in its endosperm

Options

A. 36
B. 18
C. 54
D. 72

Answer

To solve the problem of determining the chromosome number in the endosperm of a flowering plant with a diploid number of 36, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Diploid Number (2n)**:
The diploid number of the flowering plant is given as 36. This means that the plant has two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

2. **Calculate the Haploid Number (n)**:
The haploid number (n) is half of the diploid number. To find n, we divide the diploid number by 2:
\[ n = \frac{2n}{2} = \frac{36}{2} = 18 \]
So, the haploid number (n) is 18.

3. **Understand the Endosperm Formation**:
The endosperm in flowering plants is formed through a process called double fertilization. In this process, one male gamete fertilizes the egg cell (forming the zygote), and the other male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei to form the endosperm.

4. **Determine the Chromosome Number of the Endosperm**:
The endosperm is triploid (3n) because it contains three sets of chromosomes: one set from the female gamete (egg) and two sets from the male gametes. Therefore, we calculate the chromosome number in the endosperm as follows:
\[ 3n = 3 \times 18 = 54 \]

5. **Conclusion**:
The chromosome number in the endosperm of the flowering plant is 54.

### Final Answer:
The chromosome number in the endosperm is **54**.