Some algae demonstrate the phenomenon of alternation of generations, by which a multicellular, diploid, spore-producing organism gives rise to a multicellular, haploid, gamete-producing organism.Which statement about alternation of generations is false?
A) The haploid and diploid organisms may or may not differ morphologically.
B) The haploid and diploid organisms differ genetically.
C) Only the haploid organism may also reproduce asexually.
D) Haploid gametes can produce new organisms only by fusing with other gametes.
E) Diploid sporophytes may undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both the haploid and diploid organisms may reproduce asexually, so statement C is false. Alternation of generations involves a cycle of meiosis and fertilization where a haploid generation (gametophyte) produces gametes that fuse to form a diploid zygote, which then grows into a multicellular diploid generation (sporophyte) that produces spores through meiosis. The spores then grow into the multicellular haploid generation, completing the cycle. The haploid and diploid organisms may or may not differ morphologically, and they differ genetically because they have different numbers of chromosomes. Haploid gametes can produce new organisms only by fusing with other gametes, and diploid sporophytes may undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores.

Some Algae Demonstrate the Phenomenon of Alternation of Generations, by Which