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Chapter 2: Problem 20

Describe the role of meiosis in the life cycle of a vascular plant.

Short Answer

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Short Answer: Meiosis is vital in the life cycle of vascular plants as it enables the alternation of generations between sporophyte (diploid) and gametophyte (haploid) stages. It is responsible for producing haploid spores which develop into gametophytes, ultimately leading to the production of gametes. The fusion of these gametes during fertilization completes the life cycle, allowing for the next generation of sporophytes. Additionally, meiosis introduces genetic diversity, contributing to the adaptability and survival of vascular plants in various environments.

Step by step solution

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1. Understanding meiosis

Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in the formation of haploid cells (sperm and eggs) from diploid cells (with two complete sets of chromosomes). During meiosis, the chromosome number is reduced by half, allowing the fusion of two different gametes to produce a new diploid organism with unique genetic makeup.
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2. Alternation of generations in vascular plants

The life cycle of a vascular plant, like any other plant, involves the alternation of generations, which consists of two distinct phases: the sporophyte (diploid) and gametophyte (haploid) stages. In the sporophyte stage, plants produce spores through meiosis. These spores will undergo mitosis to develop into haploid gametophytes.
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3. The role of meiosis in the life cycle

Meiosis plays a crucial role in the life cycle of a vascular plant as it is responsible for the production of haploid spores. These spores develop into gametophytes and, eventually, produce gametes (sperm and egg cells). The fusion of these gametes during fertilization returns the organism to a diploid state, completing the life cycle and allowing for the next generation of sporophytes.
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4. Genetic diversity

One of the significant advantages of meiosis in the life cycle of vascular plants is that it introduces genetic diversity. Meiosis allows for the recombination of genetic information, promoting the creation of unique combinations of traits in offspring. This diversity contributes to the adaptability and survival of vascular plants in various environments.
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5. Summary

In conclusion, meiosis is essential for the life cycle of a vascular plant by facilitating the alternation of generations, producing haploid spores to develop into gametophytes, and providing genetic diversity through recombination and the fusion of gametes. These processes contribute to the continued survival and adaptation of vascular plants in their environment.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Discuss the concepts of homologous chromosomes, diploidy, and haploidy. What characteristics do two homologous chromosomes share?

Compare chromosomal separation in plant and animal cells.

In this chapter, we focused on how chromosomes are distributed during cell division, both in dividing somatic cells (mitosis) and in gamete- and spore- forming cells (meiosis). We found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter, answer the following questions. (a) How do we know that chromosomes exist in homologous pairs? (b) How do we know that DNA replication occurs during interphase, not early in mitosis? (c) How do we know that mitotic chromosomes are derived from chromatin?

What role do the following cellular components play in the storage, expression, or transmission of genetic information: (a) chromatin, (b) nucleolus, (c) ribosome, (d) mitochondrion, (e) centriole,(f) centromere?

During oogenesis in an animal species with a haploid number of \(6,\) one dyad undergoes nondisjunction during meiosis II. Following the second meiotic division, this dyad ends up intact in the ovum. How many chromosomes are present in (a) the mature ovum and (b) the second polar body? (c) Following fertilization by a normal sperm, what chromosome condition is created?
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