New plants may be grown from groups of cells that are taken from other plants. The given diagram shows parts different of a plant X. Cell samples obtained from which of the labelled structures S will grow into new plants that are genetically identical to plant X?

Options

A. P
B. Q
C. R
D. S

Answer

D

Explanation

There are two types of cells in an organism somatic cells (2n) and germ cells (n). Somatic cell samples give rise to new organisms that are genetically identical to their parents because in somatic cells, crossing over does not occur and hence variations are not produced. Germ cells produce variations. Thus, cell samples taken from part S (thalamus) of plant X will give rise to new plants that are genetically identical to plant X. Other parts P, Q and R have germ cells.