What would be the number of chromosomes in the cells of the aleurone layer in a plant species with 8…

What would be the number of chromosomes in the cells of the aleurone layer in a plant species with 8 chromosomes in its synergids ?
A 16
B 24
C 32
D 8

Detailed Solution

Synergids are cells of the embryo sac (female gametophyte), so they are haploid (n).
Given that the synergids have 8 chromosomes, n = 8.
The aleurone layer is the outermost, protein-rich layer of the endosperm in cereal grains.
The endosperm develops from the primary endosperm nucleus, which is formed by triple fusion: one male gamete (n) fuses with the two polar nuclei (n + n).
So the endosperm, and therefore the aleurone layer, is triploid (3n).
Number of chromosomes in the cells of the aleurone layer = 3n = 3 x 8 = 24.

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