Important Charophytes & Algae MCQs with Solutions PDF: NEET Plant Kingdom Questions from Past PPSC FPSC Papers 2026

50 MCQs on Biochemical Composition and Features of Charophytes (Inspired by Past Papers from NEET, AP Biology, and MCAT)

These MCQs are based on the content of the blog post "Exploring the Biochemical Composition of Charophytes" and are styled after questions from past NEET (India), AP Biology, and MCAT (USA) exams. They focus on cell wall biochemistry, reproduction, life cycle, and evolutionary aspects. Each includes the question, options, correct answer, and a brief explanation.

  1. Charophytes are primarily found in which type of habitat? A) Marine environments B) Freshwater bodies with muddy or sandy bottoms C) Terrestrial deserts D) High-altitude mountains Answer: BExplanation: As per NEET-style questions on algal habitats, charophytes like Chara and Nitella are restricted to freshwater habitats (similar to NEET 2022 questions on algal distribution).
  2. The cell walls of charophytes are primarily composed of which polysaccharide? A) Chitin B) Cellulose C) Peptidoglycan D) Lignin Answer: BExplanation: Primary cell walls consist of cellulose, a shared trait with land plants (AP Biology Ch. 29 practice questions on plant evolution).
  3. In charophytes, pectins in the cell wall are rich in which monosaccharide residue? A) β-D-glucose B) 4-linked α-D-galacturonic acid C) α-L-rhamnose only D) β-D-fructose Answer: BExplanation: Pectins are rich in 4-linked α-D-galacturonic acid, often esterified (inspired by MCAT biochemistry passages on cell wall polymers).
  4. Which of the following is a function of pectins in charophyte cell walls? A) Photosynthesis B) Structural support and hydration C) Energy storage D) DNA replication Answer: BExplanation: Pectins provide support, hydration, lubrication, and porosity (NEET 2018 questions on algal cell wall functions).
  5. Charophytes store reserve food in the form of which carbohydrate? A) Glycogen B) Mannitol C) Starch (amylose and amylopectin) D) Laminarin Answer: CExplanation: Reserve food is starch, similar to land plants (AP Biology questions on green algae vs. land plants).
  6. The reproductive structure in charophytes known as the male organ is called: A) Nucule B) Oogonium C) Globule D) Antherozoid Answer: CExplanation: The globule is the male structure, spherical and yellow-red (NEET 2021 questions on Chara reproduction).
  7. In Chara, the position of the nucule relative to the globule is: A) Below the globule B) Above the globule C) Lateral to the globule D) Absent in monoecious plants Answer: BExplanation: Nucule is above globule in Chara (standard NEET question on monoecious Chara).
  8. Charophytes exhibit which type of sexual reproduction? A) Isogamous B) Anisogamous C) Oogamous D) Aplanosporous Answer: CExplanation: Advanced oogamous reproduction with diploid zygote (AP Biology Ch. 29 on algal reproduction).
  9. The only diploid structure in the charophyte life cycle is: A) Gametophyte B) Sporophyte C) Zygote/oospore D) Protonema Answer: CExplanation: The zygote is the only diploid phase (NEET 2017 questions on zygotic meiosis in algae).
  10. Vegetative reproduction in charophytes occurs via: A) Tubers and amylum stars B) Seeds C) Bulbils D) Conidia Answer: AExplanation: Tubers on rhizoids/nodes and starch-laden cells (inspired by NEET algae reproduction MCQs).
  11. Charophytes are considered the closest algal relatives to land plants due to shared: A) Red pigments B) Cell wall polysaccharides C) Flagellated spores D) Multicellular sporophytes Answer: BExplanation: Shared cellulose, pectins, and hemicelluloses (AP Biology evolution questions).
  12. In the nucule of charophytes, the central cell is known as: A) Oosphere B) Antherozoid C) Manubrium D) Corona cell Answer: AExplanation: Central oosphere surrounded by tube and corona cells (NEET-style on Chara structures).
  13. The antherozoids in charophyte globules number approximately: A) 10-50 B) 100-500 C) 20,000-50,000 D) 1 million Answer: CExplanation: Each filament produces 25-250 cells, yielding 20,000-50,000 antherozoids (blog-specific, styled after MCAT detail questions).
  14. Charophytes have chloroplasts with which structure for starch storage? A) Pyrenoid B) Thylakoid C) Grana D) Stroma lamellae Answer: AExplanation: Chloroplasts contain pyrenoid (AP Biology on algal chloroplasts).
  15. Some charophytes like Chara and Nitella precipitate which mineral? A) Silica B) Calcium carbonate C) Iron oxide D) Magnesium sulfate Answer: BExplanation: Forms a calcareous layer (NEET 2020 questions on algal encrustations).
  16. The life cycle of charophytes is: A) Haplontic B) Diplontic C) Haplodiplontic D) Haplo-diplohaplontic Answer: AExplanation: Haploid dominant with zygotic meiosis (similar to NEET 2016 on algal life cycles).
  17. Upon germination, the charophyte zygote divides into: A) Equal cells B) Unequal cells forming protonema and rhizoids C) Spores only D) Gametes Answer: BExplanation: Unequal division leads to protonema (upper) and rhizoids (basal) (blog detail, AP Biology style).
  18. Hemicelluloses in charophyte cell walls include residues of: A) α-L-arabinose and β-D-galactose B) Only glucose C) Only fructose D) Peptides Answer: AExplanation: Pectins contain α-L-rhamnose, β-D-galactose, α-L-arabinose (MCAT biochemistry on polysaccharides).
  19. Charophytes lack which reproductive method? A) Oogamy B) Asexual spores C) Fragmentation D) Seed formation Answer: BExplanation: No asexual spore reproduction (NEET 2018 on algal reproduction types).
  20. The evolutionary significance of charophyte cell walls lies in their similarity to: A) Fungal walls B) Bacterial walls C) Land plant primary walls D) Animal extracellular matrix Answer: CExplanation: Shared monosaccharide residues aid terrestrial adaptation (AP Biology Ch. 29).
  21. In charophytes, fertilization involves: A) Plasmogamy followed by karyogamy in zygote B) Direct syngamy C) Parthenogenesis D) Apomixis Answer: AExplanation: Plasmogamy/karyogamy in zygote (inspired by NEET zygotic meiosis questions).
  22. The globule in Chara develops from: A) Oogonial initial B) Antheridial initial C) Rhizoidal cell D) Nodal cell Answer: BExplanation: From antheridial initial through shield cells (blog, NEET Chara structure).
  23. Charophytes are monoecious in most species, meaning: A) Separate male and female plants B) Male and female organs on same plant C) Only asexual D) Dioecious variants only Answer: BExplanation: Homothallic/monoecious (NEET 2021 monoecious plant question).
  24. Pectins in charophytes are often: A) Fully methylated B) Partially methyl- and acetyl-esterified C) Non-esterified D) Phosphorylated Answer: BExplanation: Partially esterified galacturonic acid (MCAT on cell wall modifications).
  25. The secondary protonema in charophytes arises from: A) Zygote B) Outgrowths from nodes C) Spores D) Tubers only Answer: BExplanation: Vegetative outgrowths (blog vegetative reproduction).
  26. Charophytes have flagella that are: A) Unequal length B) Two equal-length (isokont) C) Uniflagellate D) Aflagellate Answer: BExplanation: Isokont flagella (AP Biology on algal motility).
  27. The nucule in charophytes has spirally twisted: A) Antherozoids B) Tube cells C) Shield cells D) Manubria Answer: BExplanation: Tube cells are spirally twisted (NEET-style on female structures).
  28. Charophyte fossils date back to: A) Cretaceous period B) Silurian period (443 million years ago) C) Jurassic period D) Quaternary period Answer: BExplanation: Silurian fossils (inspired by AP Biology evolutionary timelines).
  29. Oil deposition occurs in the developing: A) Globule B) Ovum/oosphere C) Antherozoid D) Protonema Answer: BExplanation: Large oil amounts in ovum (blog nucule development).
  30. Charophytes resemble higher plants in having: A) Node-internode differentiation B) Vascular tissue C) True roots D) Flowers Answer: AExplanation: Jointed structure like Equisetum (NEET on plant-like algae).
  31. Meiosis in charophytes occurs during: A) Gamete formation B) Zygote germination C) Vegetative growth D) Spore production Answer: BExplanation: In germinating oospore (NEET 2017 zygotic meiosis).
  32. The capitulum in globule consists of: A) 8 cells B) 16 cells C) 32 cells D) Variable, 25-250 Answer: DExplanation: Each capitulum cell gives filaments with 25-250 cells (blog detail).
  33. Charophytes are indicators of: A) Marine pollution B) Freshwater quality C) Soil pH D) Air quality Answer: BExplanation: Sensitive to water conditions (AP Biology ecology questions).
  34. The primary cell wall of charophytes includes: A) Cellulose, pectins, hemicelluloses B) Chitin and proteins C) Only lignin D) Peptidoglycan Answer: AExplanation: Standard composition (MCAT cell biology).
  35. In Nitella, the nucule-globule position is: A) Nucule above globule B) Globule above nucule C) Same level D) Absent Answer: BExplanation: Reversed from Chara (blog variation).
  36. Charophytes precipitate CaCO3 to form: A) Shells B) Calcareous layer C) Spores D) Tubers Answer: BExplanation: Protective covering (NEET on encrusting algae).
  37. The evolutionary role of charophytes is in the transition to: A) Aquatic to terrestrial plants B) Marine to freshwater C) Fungi to algae D) Animals to plants Answer: AExplanation: Key in land plant origins (AP Biology Ch. 29).
  38. Amylum stars in charophytes are: A) Starch-filled cells for reproduction B) Pigment bodies C) Mineral deposits D) Lipid globules Answer: AExplanation: Star-shaped starch-laden cells (blog vegetative).
  39. Charophyte sperm are: A) Biflagellate B) Multiflagellate C) Aflagellate D) Uniflagellate Answer: AExplanation: Similar to land plants (AP Biology sperm structure).
  40. Pectins define cell wall: A) Rigidity only B) Porosity and lubrication C) Photosynthetic sites D) Storage Answer: BExplanation: Multiple functions (MCAT on extracellular matrix).
  41. The haploid phase in charophytes is: A) Short-lived B) Dominant and longer-lived C) Equal to diploid D) Absent Answer: BExplanation: Haplontic cycle (NEET life cycle questions).
  42. Charophytes have pigments: A) Chlorophyll a and c B) Chlorophyll a and b C) Only chlorophyll a D) Phycobilins Answer: BExplanation: Green algae pigments (AP Biology photosynthesis).
  43. The corona cells in nucule aid in: A) Antherozoid attraction B) Starch storage C) Cell division D) Mineral uptake Answer: AExplanation: Guide antherozoids (blog female structure).
  44. Charophytes are reclassified as a distinct division due to: A) Advanced reproduction B) Simple thallus C) Asexual dominance D) Marine habitat Answer: AExplanation: Oogamous and node-internode (NEET classification).
  45. Post-fertilization, the zygote undergoes: A) Mitosis only B) Meiosis immediately C) Resting phase then meiosis D) Parthenocarpy Answer: CExplanation: Zygote rests, then meiosis at germination (NEET 2017).
  46. α-D-galacturonate-rich polysaccharides are found in: A) Some charophytes B) All red algae C) Fungi D) Bacteria Answer: AExplanation: In cell walls of some species (blog biochemistry).
  47. The plant body of charophytes resembles: A) Ferns B) Equisetum and Ephedra C) Mosses D) Gymnosperms Answer: BExplanation: Jointed structure (AP Biology morphology).
  48. In charophytes, branches resemble: A) Roots B) Leaves C) Stems D) Flowers Answer: BExplanation: Leaf-like branches (NEET on algal morphology).
  49. The shared evolutionary origin of charophyte and land plant cell walls is evidenced by: A) Common monosaccharide residues B) Different pigments C) Unique flagella D) Asexual spores Answer: AExplanation: Major residues like rhamnose and arabinose (MCAT evolution).
  50. Charophytes contribute to understanding plant evolution through their: A) Vascular system B) Cell wall biochemistry and reproduction C) Seeds D) Fruits Answer: BExplanation: Key adaptations for terrestrial life (AP Biology Ch. 29 summary questions).

10 Additional MCQs on Biochemical Composition and Features of Charophytes (From Past PPSC and FPSC Papers)

These MCQs are drawn or inspired by questions from past PPSC (e.g., Lecturer Botany papers) and FPSC (e.g., CSS/Assistant Director exams) biology sections, focusing on algae, green algae, and charophytes. They align with the blog post's content on cell walls, reproduction, and evolution. Each includes the question, options, correct answer, and a brief explanation referencing the source style.

  1. The Green Algae, including Charophyta, belongs to which division? (PPSC Lecturer Botany 2015) A) Cyanochloranta B) Chlorophycophyta C) Charophyta D) Cryptophycophyta Answer: BExplanation: Chlorophycophyta encompasses green algae like charophytes (direct from PPSC past paper Q16).
  2. An antibiotic called “Chlorellin” is derived from which alga, related to charophytes? (PPSC Lecturer Botany 2015) A) Chara B) Spirogyra C) Volvox D) Chlorella Answer: DExplanation: Chlorella, a green alga akin to charophytes in biochemistry, produces chlorellin (PPSC past paper Q21).
  3. What is the main habitat of Charophyta? (FPSC CSS Botany-inspired) A) Marine B) Freshwater C) Terrestrial D) Desert Answer: BExplanation: Charophytes thrive in freshwater, as in PPSC/FPSC questions on algal distribution.
  4. Charophytes are considered the closest algal relatives to land plants due to shared cell wall components like: (PPSC Lecturer Biology) A) Chitin B) Cellulose and pectins C) Peptidoglycan D) Lignin Answer: BExplanation: Cellulose and pectins link charophytes to embryophytes (adapted from PPSC plant kingdom MCQs).
  5. In charophytes, pectins are rich in which sugar acid? (FPSC Biology Section) A) Glucose B) Galacturonic acid C) Fructose D) Ribose Answer: BExplanation: 4-linked α-D-galacturonic acid in pectins (styled after FPSC biochemistry questions on polysaccharides).
  6. The reserve food in charophytes is stored as: (PPSC Botany Past Paper) A) Glycogen B) Starch C) Laminarin D) Floridean starch Answer: BExplanation: Amylose and amylopectin starch, unlike other algae (direct from PPSC algae nutrition MCQs).
  7. Charophytes exhibit oogamous reproduction, where the female structure is called: (FPSC CSS) A) Antheridium B) Oogonium/nucule C) Zoospore D) Aplanospore Answer: BExplanation: Oogamous with nucule above globule in Chara (FPSC reproduction in algae questions).
  8. The life cycle of charophytes is predominantly: (PPSC Lecturer) A) Diplontic B) Haplontic C) Haplodiplontic D) Diplohaplontic Answer: BExplanation: Haploid gametophyte with zygotic meiosis (PPSC past paper on algal cycles).
  9. Charophytes like Chara precipitate calcium carbonate to form: (FPSC Ecology-inspired) A) Silica scales B) Calcareous encrustations C) Lignified nodes D) Starch tubers Answer: BExplanation: "Stoneworts" due to CaCO3 deposits (from FPSC environmental biology MCQs).
  10. The evolutionary significance of charophyte cell walls is their similarity in composition to: (PPSC Plant Evolution) A) Fungi B) Bacteria C) Land plants D) Animals Answer: CExplanation: Shared cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectins (PPSC questions on plant ancestry).