Question

The seeds of orchids and Alisma are exceptional monocots because they

• A. Lack pericarp
• B. Are exalbuminous
• C. Lack cotyledons
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C Lack cotyledons

Seeds of flowering plants are either dicotyledonous or monocotyledonous. While, the dicotyledons are characterized by two kidney shaped cotyledons, these are either non-endospermic exalbumnous or endospermic depending on the presence of endosperm and food storage areas. The monocotyledons with a single cotyledons are also differentiated as endospermic and non-endospermic based on the presence of endosperms. In case of Alisma and orchids, the seeds are extremely small with an undifferentiated embryo that lacks endosperm. They are referred to as acotyledons or exceptional monocots.
Thus, the correct answer is option C.