Question

Which one of the following is wrong about Chara?
A. Upper oogonium and lower round antheridium
B. Globule and nucule present on the same plant
C. Upper antheridium and lower oogonium
D. Globule is the male reproductive structure

Answer 1

Hint: Chara is a species of multicellular green algae that belongs to the family Characeae. They resemble plants as they have stem-like and leaf-like structures. They are particularly found in the freshwater and grow submerged. They are monoecious as both female and male parts are present on the same plant with the female being on top.

Complete answer: Chara or stoneworts are plant-like multicellular green algae found submerged in freshwater. They have an outer calcium carbonate deposit layer. Also, they do not grow where there are mosquito larvae. They are found rich in limestone containing regions such as the Northern Temperate zones. The apical cell of Chara forms a complex branching system. Whorls are present on the main axes or branch in a superficial manner like the vascular plant named Equisetum. Chara plants are generally anchored in muddy substrates with the help of rhizoids. These plants are rough to touch due to the deposition of calcium salts on their cell walls. The plant body of Chara is a gametophyte, consisting of the main axis, dimorphic branches, rhizoids and stipulodes. Chara can reproduce both vegetatively and sexually. Sexual reproduction occurs between a spherical shaped yellow colour structure called the globule and an oval-shaped green coloured structure called the nucule. The globule is the male reproductive part and the nucule is the female reproductive part. The nucule or the oogonium lies above the globule or antheridium. Chara is a monoecious plant so it contains both male and female parts on a single plant.
Hence, the right answer is option C.

Note: Chara is distributed throughout Europe but is considered threatened due to declining numbers. It is preserved and protected to restore its normal number. They are important for water ecosystems as it serves as an important grazing location for water insects. These insects in turn are food for small fish.