Question

Endosperm development precedes embryo development because_____________.

• A. cells of PEN divide faster than cells of zygote.
• B. the endosperm is triploid and zygote is diploid.
• C. the developing embryo needs nutrition.
• D. all of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C the developing embryo needs nutrition.

After fertilisation, the zygote develops into an embryo and primary endosperm cell forms the endosperm.

Endosperm is a triploid nutritive tissue formed after fertilisation to provide nutrition to the developing embryo.
The cells of endosperm are filled with reserve food materials.

Hence the zygote starts to divide and develops into an embryo only after a certain amount of endosperm is formed. This ensures that the developing embryo gets proper nutrition.

Hence endosperm development precedes embryo development.