Question

Changes in certain parameters of the castor-oil seed during germination in the dark are graphically represented. The curves I, II and III could indicate

• A. I: Embryo, II: sugar content and III: endosperm
• B. I: Dry mass of endosperm, II: sugar content and III: lipid content
• C. I: Total dry mass, II: lipid content and III: sugar content
• D. I: Embryo, II: lipid content and III: total dry mass

Answer 1

The correct option is C I: Total dry mass, II: lipid content and III: sugar content

Germination is the process of seeds developing into new plants. First, seeds are filled with water by a process called as imbibition. This water activates enzymes and they will initiate germination process. During germination, the biomass of the seed increases due to increase in the water content. However, the total dry mass remains almost constant. The lipid content decreases drastically during germination process. At the same time, the sugar content increases up to a certain limit and then subsequently decreases. Lipid is converted to sucrose during germination process in order to provide energy. After certain point when lipid is deprived, sugar is consumed to provide energy for the process.