Question

Offsets are produced by:
A. Parthenocarpy
B. Meiotic divisions
C. Parthenogenesis
D. Mitotic division

Answer 1

Offsets – They are one internode long condensed rumors usually found in rosette plants. Each offset produces at its open a tuft of leaves above and a cluster of roots below. Example:-Eichharnia , Pistia etc.

Complete answer:
Offsets form when the meristem region of plants, such as axillary buds or homologous structures, differentiate into a new plant with the ability to become self-sustaining. This is common in species that develop underground storage organs, such as bulbs, corms and tubers. Tulips and lilies are examples.

Option A: Parthenocarpy is the process of formation of fruits without the fertilization, hence seedless fruits are produced Example: banana. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option B: Meiotic division- It is a process of two successive cell divisions, producing cells, egg or sperm. This process reduces chromosome number by half i.e. 46 to 23. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option C: Parthenogenesis is the process of formation of embryo from ovum without fertilization. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: Offsets are a vegetative part of a plant. They are formed by the mitosis as this division occurs in somatic cells. Offsets are daughter plants that are genetically similar to the parent and are produced by sexual reproduction. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D) mitotic division.

Note: In mitosis, asexual cell division, one diploid a parent cell gives rise to two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the original cell and two each other. It occurs in somatic cells/body cells. It promotes new cell growth or replaces cells that have been damaged or died.