Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
Seed is often described as a fertilised ovule. Seeds are formed inside fruits. A seed typically consists of seed coat(s), cotyledon(s) and an embryonal axis. Mature seeds may be albuminous or non-albuminous.
Which of the following is an example of a non-albuminous seed?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Pea
The endosperm is the food tissue that feeds the developing embryo. Seeds are grouped by whether any of it is left when the seed is mature.
Option (1) Wheat — Incorrect. Wheat grain keeps a part of its endosperm at maturity, so it is an albuminous seed.
Option (2) Maize — Incorrect. Maize also keeps its endosperm in the mature grain, so it too is albuminous.
Option (3) Pea — Correct. In pea the endosperm is completely used up while the embryo develops, and the food is stored in the thick cotyledons instead. So the pea seed has no endosperm left and is non-albuminous.
Option (4) Castor — Incorrect. Castor keeps its endosperm in the mature seed and uses it up only during germination, so it is albuminous.
NCERT Extract:
Seed – “… The cotyledons (Figure 1.15a) of the embryo are simple structures, generally thick and swollen due to storage of food reserves (as in legumes). Mature seeds may be non-albuminous or ex-albuminous. Non-albuminous seeds have no residual endosperm as it is completely consumed during embryo development (e.g., pea, groundnut). Albuminous seeds retain a part of endosperm as it is not completely used up during embryo development (e.g., wheat, maize, barley, castor).”