Question

Which of the following is incorrect about the life cycle in Volvox?

• A. Sporophytic generation is represented only by the two-celled zygote.
• B. Meiosis in the zygote results in the formation of haploid spores.
• C. All the sporophytes are free-living.
• D. The dominant, photosynthetic phase is the free-living sporophyte.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Sporophytic generation is represented only by the one-celled zygote. There are no free-living sporophytes. Meiosis in the zygote results in the formation of haploid spores. The haploid spores divide mitotically and form the gametophyte. The dominant, photosynthetic phase in such plants is the free-living gametophyte. This kind of life cycle is termed as haplontic. Many algae such as Volvox, Spirogyra and some species of Chlamydomonas represent this pattern