Question

Which of the following characteristics of plants is absent in their closest relatives, the charophyte algae?

A) chlorophyll b

B) alternation of multicellular generations

C) sexual reproduction

D) cellulose in cell walls

E) formation of a cell plate during cytokinesis

Answer 1

The characteristic of plants not present in charophyte algae is the alternation of multicellular generations, where land plants have distinct sporophyte and gametophyte stages. So, the correct answer is option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic of plants that is absent in their closest relatives, the charophyte algae, is alternation of multicellular generations. Charophytes do not exhibit alternation of generations, which is a trait where plants have distinct multicellular stages in their life cycle, typically the sporophyte and the gametophyte.

While charophytes share many features with land plants, such as chlorophyll a and b, cellulose in their cell walls, and the formation of a cell plate during cytokinesis, they lack the complex life cycle involving both haploid and diploid multicellular generations that is a defining characteristic of true land plants.

So, the correct answer is option b.