Question

Study the following statements and choose the correct option.
I - Tapetum nourishes the developing pollen grains.
II - Hilum represents the junction between ovule and funicle.
III - In aquatic plants such as water hyacinth and water lily, pollination is by water.
IV - The primary endosperm nucleus is triploid.

• A. I and II are correct but III and IV are incorrect
• B. I, II and IV are correct but III is incorrect
• C. II, III and IV are correct but I is incorrect
• D. I and IV are correct but II and III are incorrect

Answer 1

The correct option is B I, II and IV are correct but III is incorrect

The innermost wall layer of microsporangium is the tapetum. Cells of tapetum possess dense cytoplasm and multinucleate. Tapetum provides nourishment to the developing pollen grains.

The body of the ovule fuses with the funicle (stalk of ovule) in the region called hilum. Thus, hilum represents the junction between ovule and funicle. It appears as a scar on the seeds.

The primary endosperm nucleus is triploid (3𝑛) as it is the product of triple fusion, fusion between the secondary nucleus (formed by two polar nuclei in the central cell) with the nucleus of the male gamete.

In the majority of aquatic plants such as water hyacinth and water lily, the flowers emerge above the level of water and are pollinated by insects or wind as in most of the land plants.