Question

An example of a seed with endosperm, perisperm and caruncle is

• A. Castor
• B. Cotton
• C. Coffee
• D. Lily

Answer 1

The correct option is A Castor

Endosperm is developed from triploid primary endosperm nucleus in central cell of embryo sac. The triploid nucleus is formed after vegetative fertilization i.e. fusion of male gamete with secondary nucleus of central cell, also known as triple fusion. Endosperm serves to provide essential nutrients to the growing embryos. Seeds having a fleshy storage endosperm that lie just beneath tegmen and persists upto maturity are termed as albuminous seeds. Castor, coffee, lily and cotton seeds are albuminous. Pericarp is residual nucellus that persists in seeds. Castor, cotton, lily and coffee seeds have pericarp present just below the seed coat and around the kernel. Pericarp surrounds endosperm in these seeds. Castor seeds exhibit enlargement of cells present at the tip of outer integument which forms a fleshy outgrowth at micropylar end of the seed is called as caruncle. It serves in seed germination and seed dispersal by animals. Cotton, lily and coffee seeds lack caruncle.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.