Members of the chlorophytes are structurally diverse. Select the option that correctly represents the increasing order of structural complexity among the given genera.

Correct option is A

The correct option is (1): Chlorella < Zygnema < Oedogonium < Draparnaldia.

Here's why:

• Chlorella is the simplest form of chlorophytes, being a unicellular alga.
• Zygnema is a filamentous green alga, which is structurally more complex than Chlorella.
• Oedogonium is a more complex filamentous alga with specialized structures like reproductive organs.
• Draparnaldia is one of the more structurally complex green algae, with differentiated structures like branches and reproductive parts, making it more complex than Oedogonium.

Thus, the correct increasing order of structural complexity is from Chlorella (simplest) to Draparnaldia (most complex).

Information Booster:

1. Chlorella: A unicellular green alga, the simplest form among the given genera.
2. Zygnema: A filamentous alga with a more complex structure than Chlorella, consisting of chains of cells.
3. Oedogonium: A filamentous green alga that exhibits more complexity, with differentiated reproductive structures (like oogonia).
4. Draparnaldia: Among the most complex green algae in this list, with branched filaments and various specialized reproductive organs.
5. Structural complexity increases from unicellular forms (like Chlorella) to multicellular forms with specialized structures.
6. Filamentous algae like Zygnema, Oedogonium, and Draparnaldia represent increasing levels of complexity compared to unicellular algae.

Additional Information:

• Option (2) is incorrect because Chara is more complex than Volvox. Chara is a macroscopic, multicellular alga with a complex structure, while Volvox is a colonial alga, but its cellular differentiation is less advanced compared to Chara.
• Option (3) is incorrect as Fritschiella is not typically considered more complex than Draparnaldia in terms of overall structure. The progression should go from Chlorella to Draparnaldia without the inclusion of Fritschiella between them.
• Option (4) is incorrect because Ulva (a multicellular alga) is more complex than both Volvox (a colonial alga) and Ulothrix (a filamentous alga), making the order wrong.