If the leaf cell has 16 chromosomes, then it is most likely that

Options

A. Gametes will have 16 chromosomes
B. Gametes will have 8 chromosomes
C. Zygote will have 8 chromosomes
D. Zygote will have 32 chromosomes

Answer

To solve the question "If the leaf cell has 16 chromosomes, then it is most likely that:", we need to analyze the information given about the chromosomes in the leaf cell and how they relate to gametes and zygotes.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Chromosome Number**:
- The leaf cell is stated to have 16 chromosomes. In terms of ploidy, this means that the leaf cell is diploid (2N), where N is the number of chromosomes in a haploid cell.

2. **Determining the Ploidy**:
- Since the leaf cell is diploid (2N = 16), we can find the haploid number (N) by dividing the diploid number by 2.
- Calculation: N = 16 / 2 = 8.

3. **Identifying Gametes**:
- Gametes (sperm and egg cells) are produced through meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number from diploid (2N) to haploid (N).
- Therefore, if the leaf cell has 16 chromosomes (2N), the gametes will have 8 chromosomes (N).

4. **Considering the Zygote**:
- A zygote is formed when a sperm and an egg fuse during fertilization. Since both gametes are haploid (N = 8), when they combine, the zygote will be diploid.
- Calculation: Zygote = N (sperm) + N (egg) = 8 + 8 = 16 chromosomes.

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- Gametes will have 8 chromosomes (correct).
- Zygote will have 16 chromosomes (not an option).
- Zygote will have 32 chromosomes (incorrect).
- Gametes will have 16 chromosomes (incorrect).

### Conclusion:
The correct answer is that the gametes will have **8 chromosomes**.