Step 1: Concept Overview:
This question explores ploidy levels in angiosperm cells during their life cycle, focusing on double fertilization, which results in the zygote and endosperm.
Step 2: Formula and Approach:
The angiosperm egg cell is haploid (n).
Endosperm arises from the fusion of a male gamete (n) and the central cell, containing two polar nuclei (n + n).
Thus, endosperm is triploid (3n).
Step 3: Detailed Solution:
Given the egg cell chromosome number is 8, and knowing it's haploid:
\[ n = 8 \]
The endosperm, being triploid, has a chromosome number of 3n.
Calculate the endosperm chromosome number:
\[ \text{Endosperm chromosomes} = 3n = 3 \times 8 = 24 \]
Step 4: Conclusion:
The endosperm contains 24 chromosomes.