Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Haploid plants (\(n\)) contain only a single set of chromosomes.
Because they lack homologous pairs, they are sterile and cannot produce functional gametes unless their chromosome number is doubled.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Colchicine is an alkaloid chemical agent extracted from Colchicum autumnale that inhibits microtubule polymerization and spindle fiber formation during cell division.
When haploid vegetative tissues or buds are treated with colchicine, the chromosomes replicate during interphase, but sister chromatids fail to separate during anaphase due to the absence of spindle fibers.
This leads to the doubling of the chromosome number, converting a haploid cell (\(n\)) into a diploid cell (\(2n\)).
Because the starting haploid plant had only one allele for each gene, doubling these chromosomes creates identical pairs at every single genetic locus.
The resulting "doubled haploid" (DH) plant is completely homozygous at all loci, bypassing several generations of inbreeding.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Colchicine treatment of haploids results in completely homozygous plants.