How many structures listed below are diploid for a typical fern member ?
a. Indusium cell
b. Stomium cell
c. NCC
d. Rhizome cell
e. Sporophyll cell
f. Prothallus cell
g. SMC
h. Spore
i. Antherozoid mother cell

Options

A. Nine
B. Six
C. Five
D. Seven

Answer

To determine how many structures listed are diploid for a typical fern member, we need to analyze each structure based on whether it is part of the sporophyte (diploid) or the gametophyte (haploid) stage of the fern life cycle.

1. **Indusium cell**: This is a protective covering of the sporangia. Since sporangia are part of the sporophyte, the indusium cell is diploid.

2. **Stomium cell**: This cell is part of the sporangium and helps in the release of spores. Therefore, it is also diploid.

3. **NCC (Neck Canal Cell)**: This cell is part of the archegonium, which is a structure of the gametophyte. Thus, it is haploid.

4. **Rhizome cell**: The rhizome is a modified stem of the fern and is part of the sporophyte. Therefore, this cell is diploid.

5. **Sporophyll cell**: A sporophyll is a leaf that bears sporangia and is part of the sporophyte. Hence, this cell is diploid.

6. **Prothallus cell**: The prothallus is the gametophyte stage of the fern. Therefore, this cell is haploid.

7. **SMC (Sporangial Mother Cell)**: This cell is part of the sporophyte and undergoes meiosis to produce spores. Thus, it is diploid.

8. **Spore**: Spores are produced by meiosis from the spore mother cells and are part of the gametophyte stage. Therefore, spores are haploid.

9. **Antherozoid mother cell**: This cell is involved in the formation of antherozoids (sperm) and is part of the gametophyte. Thus, it is haploid.

Now, let's summarize the diploid structures:
- Indusium cell: Diploid
- Stomium cell: Diploid
- Rhizome cell: Diploid
- Sporophyll cell: Diploid
- SMC (Sporangial Mother Cell): Diploid

Total diploid structures = 5

Therefore, the answer is that there are **5 diploid structures** in the list provided.