Question

The number of linkage groups present in pea plants is

• A. Ten
• B. Seven
• C. Eight
• D. Twelve

Hint:

Linkage groups = Haploid chromosome number ($n$).
Pea ($2n=14$) $\implies 7$.
Maize ($2n=20$) $\implies 10$.
Human ($2n=46$) $\implies 23$ (female) $24$ (male).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The number of linkage groups in an organism is equal to its haploid chromosome number ($n$).
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Number of Linkage Groups} = n = \frac{2n}{2} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In the garden pea plant (Pisum sativum):
- The diploid somatic chromosome number is \(2n = 14\).
- The haploid gametic chromosome number is \(n = 7\).
Because each chromosome corresponds to one distinct linkage group of syntenic genes, the total number of linkage groups in pea is 7.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the number of linkage groups present in pea plants is Seven, matching option (B).