Chromosome Ploidy in Reproduction

Steps:

• Leaf cells are somatic and diploid (2n = 20 chromosomes).
• Sexual reproduction involves meiosis, halving chromosomes to produce haploid gametes (n = 10).
• Asexual reproduction uses mitosis on diploid cells, maintaining 2n = 20 chromosomes.
• Thus, gametes have 10, asexual cells have 20.

Why C is correct:

• Gametes are haploid (n=10) per meiosis definition; asexual cells remain diploid (2n=20) via mitosis.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Asexual cells are diploid, not haploid.
• B: Gametes are haploid, not diploid.
• D: Gametes are haploid, not diploid.

Final answer: C