A self-fertilizing trihybrid plant forms

Options

A. 4 different gametes and 16 different zygotes
B. 8 different gametes and 16 different zygotes
C. 8 different gametes and 32 different zygotes
D. 8 different gametes and 64 different zygotes

Answer

To solve the question regarding a self-fertilizing trihybrid plant and the number of different gametes and zygotes it can form, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the term "trihybrid":**
- A trihybrid plant means it is heterozygous for three different traits. Each trait can have two alleles (dominant and recessive).

2. **Determining the number of traits (n):**
- For a trihybrid, n = 3 (since there are three traits).

3. **Calculating the number of different gametes:**
- The formula to calculate the number of different gametes is \(2^n\).
- Substituting the value of n:
\[ 2^3 = 8 \]
- Therefore, the plant can produce 8 different gametes.

4. **Calculating the number of different zygotes:**
- The number of different zygotes can be determined using the formula \(n^2\) for a trihybrid cross, where n is the number of different gametes.
- Since we have 8 different gametes, the number of zygotes is:
\[ 8 \times 8 = 64 \]
- Thus, the plant can form 64 different zygotes.

5. **Final Answer:**
- The correct option is: **8 different gametes and 64 different zygotes.**

### Summary:
- A self-fertilizing trihybrid plant forms **8 different gametes** and **64 different zygotes**.