Question

Which of the following has the highest number of chromosomes?
A. Housefly
B. Butterfly
C. Ophioglossum
D. Onion

Answer 1

Hint: Chromosomes are thread-like structures found within the nucleus of both animal and plant cells. Protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid make up each chromosome (DNA). DNA is passed along from parents to children and includes the particular instructions that distinguish each living organism. Every organism has different numbers of chromosomes in their cells.

Complete answer:
To solve this question one should know the total number of chromosomes in the organisms given in the options.
Option:A – Housefly has $$12$$ chromosomes in diploid stage. Five pairs of autosomes and One pair of sex chromosomes.
Option:B – Butterfly has $$360$$ chromosomes in diploid stage.
Option:C – Ophioglossum has $$1260$$ chromosomes in its diploid stage.
Option:D – Onion has $$16$$ chromosomes in its diploid stage.
So, options: A, B and D are incorrect.
Option:C is correct.
A karyotype is the collection of chromosomes that makes up an organism's genome. A laboratory method that generates a picture of an individual's chromosomes is also known as chromosomal mapping. The karyotype is used to check for aberrant chromosomal numbers or structures. It's generally done for chromosomes in metaphase. Karyotyping in humans helps in tracing genetic defects due to chromosomal aberrations and genomic mutations.

Therefore option C. Ophioglossum is the correct answer

Note:
The fern Ophioglossum, sometimes known as adder's tongue, southern adder's-tongue, or adder's-tongue fern, belongs to the Ophioglossaceae family. It has a worldwide distribution. The chromosome number of Ophioglossum reticulatum is known to be the highest in the living world. The roots are fat, mycorrhizal, and lack root hairs, with adventitious buds occasionally appearing, while the stem is vascularized.