Question

Which of the following is NOT an example of a haploid cell or cells?

a. secondary spermatocytes in male animals b. primary oocytes of female animals
c. a polar body in a female animal
d. pollen of plant stamens
e. a megaspore in a plant pistil

Answer 1

The only non-haploid option listed is the primary oocytes of female animals, as they are diploid before undergoing meiosis, making 'b' the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which of the following is NOT an example of a haploid cell or cells. Among the options given:

• Secondary spermatocytes in male animals (haploid cells formed during spermatogenesis)
• Primary oocytes of female animals (diploid cells before meiosis)
• A polar body in a female animal (haploid cells formed during oogenesis that usually degrade)
• Pollen of plant stamens (haploid cells that participate in plant reproduction)
• A megaspore in a plant pistil (haploid cells formed during meiosis in plants)

The correct answer is b. Primary oocytes of female animals, start off as diploid cells and only their offshoots become haploid cells after meiosis I.

This contrasts with d. which mistakenly suggests spores are not formed by meiosis. In reality, spores can be formed during both sexual and asexual reproduction depending on the life cycle of the plant or fungus. However, in the context of female gametophyte formation in plants, the megaspore is indeed a result of meiosis and is haploid.