Question

The number of sori on the sporophyte in Nephrolepis is
A. 20
B. 30
C. 40
D. 50

Answer 1

Hint:Nephrolepis is a pteridophyte which is commonly called macho ferns or sword ferns. Pteridophytes are vascular plants that belong to kingdom Plantae. They do not produce flowers or seeds.

Complete answer: Nephrolepis are free sporing plants. The life cycle of pteridophyte is of alternating type with gametophyte and sporophyte phases which is independent at maturity. Here the main plant body is sporophyte which can be well differentiated into roots, stem, and leaves. Its leaves can be microphylls or megaphylls. The dominant sporophyte phase produces spores by meiosis and the gametophyte phase produces gametes by mitosis. The male sex organ antheridia produce male gametes antherozoids which are transferred to the female sex organ archegonia only in presence of water. The fusion of these gametes produces zygote and division of zygote forms the sporophyte. Sori is produced in the sporophyte generation. Spores are released as the sporangia get matured and burst out to release the spores. Haploid meiospores are produced within the sporangia. In Nephrolepis, the number of sori on the sporophyll is 50. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

So, option D is the correct option.

Additional information:
Pteridophytes are considered as the first vascular plant with vascular tissues, xylem, and phloem. These plants are found in damp and shady places. Ferns, whisk ferns, and horsetails are included in pteridophytes. They are autotrophs, meaning they can produce their own food by undergoing photosynthesis. Its growth is dependent on geographical areas.

Note: Some species of Nephrolepis are grown for the ornamental purpose. They are also used as air purification in indoor air. Examples of such species are Nephrolepis exaltata and Nephrolepis obliterata. Some species of Nephrolepis is also a good source of new antimicrobial chemicals.