If the diploid number of a flowering plant is $2n = 24$, what will be the number of chromosomes in the endosperm and the antipodal cells respectively?

Solution

1. Given the diploid number $2n = 24$, the haploid number $n=12$.
2. The endosperm is triploid, so its chromosome number is $$\begin{array}{rl}3n& =3\times 12\\ & =36\end{array}$$.
3. Antipodal cells are haploid, so their chromosome number is $n=12$.
4. Hence the answer is (A).