If the microspore of a typical angiosperm contains 12 chromosomes, how many of the following structures from the same plant will possess exactly 24 chromosomes? Nucellus, Secondary nucleus, Synergid, Aleurone layer, Zygote, Antipodal cell

Step-by-step solution

The microspore is a haploid ( n ) cell. Given that the microspore has n = 12 chromosomes, the target chromosome number of 24 corresponds to the diploid ( 2n ) condition. Let us evaluate the ploidy level of each given structure: Nucellus: A maternal sporophytic tissue, hence diploid ( 2n ). Secondary nucleus: Formed by the fusion of two haploid polar nuclei before fertilization, hence diploid ( 2n ). Synergid: A cell of the female gametophyte, hence haploid ( n ). Aleurone layer: The outermost proteinaceous layer of