Which of the following characteristics of plants is absent in their closest relatives, the charophyte algae? a. chlorophyll b b. cellulose in cell walls c. sexual reproduction d. alternation of multicellular generations

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the unique characteristics of plants compared to charophyte algae. Charophyte algae share many features with plants, but there are key differences.
2. Review the options given: chlorophyll b, cellulose in cell walls, sexual reproduction, and alternation of multicellular generations.
3. Eliminate the characteristics shared by both plants and charophyte algae. Both have chlorophyll b and cellulose in their cell walls. Both also undergo sexual reproduction.
4. Focus on the characteristic that is unique to plants. Plants have a life cycle that includes alternation of multicellular generations, which involves alternating between a multicellular haploid stage and a multicellular diploid stage.
5. Alternation of multicellular generations' as this is a feature of plants that is absent in charophyte algae.

Key Concepts

Charophyte Algae

Charophyte algae are a group of green algae that are considered the closest relatives of land plants. They share several characteristics with plants, such as chlorophyll a and b, and cellulose in their cell walls. However, they lack certain complex features that define land plants, making them a crucial point of comparison in understanding plant evolution.

Cellulose in Cell Walls

Cellulose is a polysaccharide that forms the primary structural component of plant cell walls. Both charophyte algae and land plants possess cellulose, which provides rigidity and support. This characteristic is essential for maintaining the structure of plant tissues, but it does not distinguish land plants from their algal relatives.

Alternation of Generations

Alternation of generations is a reproductive cycle in which a plant alternates between a haploid gametophyte stage and a diploid sporophyte stage. This complex life cycle is a defining feature of land plants, allowing for greater genetic diversity and adaptation. Charophyte algae typically do not exhibit this alternation, which highlights a significant evolutionary advancement in plants.