Question

The morphological nature of the edible part of the coconut is:

• A. Perisperm
• B. Cotyledon
• C. Endosperm
• D. Pericarp

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Endosperm

The correct option is C:

The explanation for the correct option:

1. Coconut is known to possess two types of endosperm namely cellular and free nuclear type of endosperm.
2. Out of these, the cellular endosperm is represented by the white kernel which is the edible part of the coconut.
3. While the free nuclear endosperm is represented by coconut water.

The explanation for incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The remains of nucellus are some seeds that are termed perisperm and since the edible part of the coconut is not a seed.
2. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

Option B:

1. The cotyledon of coconut also known as coconut apple is the white part of the seed.
2. However, it is not actually the edible part of the actual coconut fruit.
3. Hence, it is an incorrect option

Option D:

1. The pericarp of coconut is represented by an exocarp with a fibrous mesocarp and stony endocarp- none of which is edible.
2. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

Final answer: The morphological nature of the edible part of the coconut is the endosperm.