In which of the following is the endosperm completely consumed by the developing embryo?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Pea and groundnut.
The endosperm stores food for the embryo. In some seeds it is completely consumed by the developing embryo before the seed matures; in others it persists in the mature seed and is used up during germination.
Option (1) Maize and castor. — Incorrect. Maize keeps a part of its endosperm (an albuminous seed), and so does castor. The endosperm is not completely consumed in either.
Option (2) Castor and coconut. — Incorrect. Castor and coconut are the NCERT examples in which the endosperm persists in the mature seed.
Option (3) Pea and groundnut. — Correct. In pea and groundnut the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo before seed maturation.
Option (4) Maize and rice. — Incorrect. Maize and rice are cereals. Their endosperm persists in the mature grain.
NCERT Extract:
Endosperm – “Endosperm may either be completely consumed by the developing embryo (e.g., pea, groundnut, beans) before seed maturation or it may persist in the mature seed (e.g. castor and coconut) and be used up during seed germination.”
Seed – “… Albuminous seeds retain a part of endosperm as it is not completely used up during embryo development (e.g., wheat, maize, barley, castor).”