Question

Give the name of the green algal group that contains the closest relative of plants. Then, list three derived traits that plants have that this group does not have.

Answer 1

Name of the green algal group that contains the closest relative of plants are Charophyceans

Some traits shared by charophyceans and land plants are:
• Very similar plastids (structurally similar,
but especially similar chloroplast DNA)
• Similar cellulose cell walls
• Similar structure of flagellated sperm

Three derived traits that plants have but Charophyceans does not have are:

1. Multicellular, dependent embryos, which
   develop from zygotes contained within tissues of the female parent. Parental
   tissues provide nutrients for the embryo.
2. Alternation of generations life cycle, with two very different generations (one usually much larger & more prominent). Some algae also have alternation of generations, but not the charophyceans.
3. Walled spores produced by a multicellular
   sporangium. A polymer called sporopollenin, the most durable organic
   material known, makes up the walls.

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