Select the option that shows the correct number of chromosomes in the meiocytes.
(a) Maize - 20
(b) Pisum sativum - 7
(c) Ophioglossum - 630
(d) Potato - 24

Options

A. Maize - 20
B. Pisum sativum - 7
C. Ophioglossum - 630
D. Potato - 24

Answer

To solve the question regarding the correct number of chromosomes in meiocytes for the given plants, we will analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Understand Meiocytes
- Meiocytes are specialized cells that undergo meiosis to form gametes. They are typically diploid (2n) in nature, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes.

### Step 2: Analyze Each Option
1. **Option A: Maize - 20**
- Maize (Zea mays) has a diploid chromosome number of 20 (2n = 20).
- Therefore, this option is correct.

2. **Option B: Pisum sativum - 7**
- Pisum sativum (pea plant) has a diploid chromosome number of 14 (2n = 14).
- The number 7 represents the haploid condition (n = 7), which is not correct for meiocytes.
- Therefore, this option is incorrect.

3. **Option C: Ophioglossum - 630**
- Ophioglossum is known to have one of the highest chromosome counts in the plant kingdom, with a diploid number of 1260 (2n = 1260).
- The number 630 represents the haploid condition (n = 630), which is not correct for meiocytes.
- Therefore, this option is incorrect.

4. **Option D: Potato - 24**
- The potato (Solanum tuberosum) has a diploid chromosome number of 48 (2n = 48).
- The number 24 represents the haploid condition (n = 24), which is not correct for meiocytes.
- Therefore, this option is incorrect.

### Conclusion
After analyzing all the options, we find that:
- The only correct option that shows the correct number of chromosomes in meiocytes is **Option A: Maize - 20**.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is **(a) Maize - 20**.

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