What would be the number of chromosomes in the endosperm if there are 16 chromosomes in onion root tip?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Onion root tip cells are somatic with 2n = 16 chromosomes.
Gametes have n = 8 chromosomes.
Endosperm is triploid (3n).
Therefore, 3n = 3 × 8 = 24 chromosomes in the endosperm.
Information Booster:
Endosperm forms after fusion of one male gamete (n) with two polar nuclei (2n).
It serves as a nutritive tissue for the developing embryo.
Somatic cells are diploid (2n), gametes haploid (n), endosperm triploid (3n).
Triploidy is unique to angiospermic reproduction.
Onion’s chromosome number is used for cytogenetic studies.
Additional Information:
(a) 32 – would represent a tetraploid number.
(c) 16 – somatic cell number, not endosperm.
(d) 8 – haploid gamete, not endosperm.