Question

Which of the following species has the chromosome complement similar to that of Triticum aestivum?
a) Zea mays
b) Secale cereale
c) Gossypium
d) Aegilops

Answer 1

The word chromosome complements stands for the total number of chromosomes present in every cell of any individual of a species. This number is fixed for every species and any alteration in this number can distort proper functioning of the organism.

Complete answer
There are certain organisms that have similar numbers of chromosome complement despite belonging to different species.
Triticum aestivum is the scientific name for common wheat. It is one of the most important crops across the world. The chromosome complement for common wheat is 26. It means that every cell of common wheat consists of a total 26 chromosomes.
Zea mays is commonly referred to as corn. It is also a crop. The chromosome complement of corn is 20. This means that every cell of corn has 20 chromosomes. As this arrangement is not similar to that of common wheat, therefore, it is an incorrect option.
Secale cereale is a kind of grain that is commonly used in India. It is termed as Rye. Whereas Aegilops is a kind of grass commonly called goat grasses. Both of these species have similar chromosome complement that is, 14 which means that every cell of Rye and goat grass has 14 chromosomes. As this arrangement does not match common wheat so option B and D stands to be incorrect options.
Gossypium is commonly known as cotton. Its chromosome complement is similar to that of common wheat that is 26. This means that every cell of cotton has 26 chromosomes.

Therefore, option c) is the correct option.

Note:
Chromosomes are the carrier of genetic material in an organism. They are present inside the nucleus of every cell in a thread like structure and get converted into a X shape at the time of cell division. They carry genetic information from one generation to another. Thus, they are very crucial in designing and preserving the individuality of every organism.