Question

A particular diploid plant species has 48 chromosomes, or two sets. A mutation occurs and gametes with 48 chromosomes are produced. If self-fertilization occurs, the zygote will have _____ set(s) of chromosomes.

a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
e. 5

Answer 1

D. 4

Step-by-step explanation:

The mentioned plant species is diploid and have 48 chromosomes. A diploid organism has two complete sets of chromosomes. This means that the diploid plant species have two complete sets of chromosomes. Mutation results in the formation of a diploid gamete having a total of 48 chromosomes (two complete sets of chromosomes). Self-fertilization of such mutated diploid gamete would produce a zygote with 48 (2 sets of chromosomes) + 48 (2 sets of chromosomes) = 96 chromosomes. Therefore, the resultant zygote would have a total of four sets of chromosomes.