When appropriately prompted, diploid individuals of Ulva prolifera form spores that germinate to become haploid individuals. How might diploid individuals be created to complete the life cycle?
A)Haploid individuals meiotically produce egg and sperm cells, which subsequently fuse.
B)Some haploid individuals experience mitosis without cytokinesis followed by nuclear fusion.
C)Some individuals differentiate to become haploid gametes and then fuse to produce a diploid zygote.
D)Haploid individuals experience two sequential S phases in their cell cycle to reestablish the diploid state.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most common method for a diploid individual to be created in Ulva prolifera is through the fusion of haploid gametes produced by individuals that differentiate into gamete-forming cells. This process results in the restoration of the diploid state and completion of the life cycle. Choice A is incorrect because it describes sexual reproduction in animals, not in Ulva prolifera. Choice B is known as the "dikaryotic stage" and occurs in some fungi, but not in Ulva prolifera. Choice D is incorrect because a haploid individual with two copies of the genome would still be haploid, not diploid.

When Appropriately Prompted, Diploid Individuals of Ulva Prolifera Form Spores