Question

Which one of the following statements is correct?

• A. The seed in grasses is not endospermic.
• B. Mango is a parthenocarpic fruit.
• C. A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present in maize grain.
• D. A sterile pistil is called a staminode.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

A proteinaceous aleurone layer is present in maize grain.

Grass seeds are endospermic and mango is a seeded fruit. A sterile pistil is called pistillode and a sterile stamen is called staminode. Maize grains consist of fruit wall, seed coat, endosperm and embryo. The endosperm occupies most of the grains interior and consists of two parts, horny aleurone layer and mainly storage layers. The aleurone layer lies immediately below the grain covering and is 1-3 cell thick. Aleurone cells are thick walled with cytoplasm filled with aleurone grains which produce enzymes during seed germination to mobilise stored nutrients.