question_answer 91)

  Is the presence of large number of chromosomes in an organism a hindrance to sexual reproduction? Justify your answer by giving suitable reasons.

Answer:

                  No, presence of large number of chromosomes in an organism is not a hindrance to sexual reproduction. Ophioglossum (a fern) has chromosome number 1260, still it can reproduce sexually. In higher organisms, the chromosomes are present in a compartment called nucleus, within the cell. Whether the number is small or large, the chromosomes are duplicated and then segregated inside this compartment, during cell division. The basis of sexual reproduction is generation of haploid gametes.