Which one of the following is a correct statement about dormancy?

The correct answer is Option (2) → Embryonal state of inactivity.

Option (1) Actively respiring embryo in a seed. — Incorrect. This is the opposite of dormancy. As the seed matures and dries, the metabolic activity of the embryo slows down. Active respiration starts again only when the seed germinates.

Option (2) Embryonal state of inactivity. — Correct. A mature seed holds only 10-15 per cent moisture. The embryo then enters a state of inactivity, called dormancy. It stays so until moisture, oxygen and a suitable temperature are available.

Option (3) Embryo in early stage of development. — Incorrect. An early embryo is still growing inside the ovule, by repeated cell division. Dormancy comes only after the seed has matured.

Option (4) Presence of one embryo in a seed. — Incorrect. This only describes the usual number of embryos. More than one embryo in a seed is polyembryony, as in orange; neither condition is dormancy.

NCERT Extract:
Seed – …