Read the passage and answer the following questions .

The primary cell of the endosperm undergoes repeated divisions, resulting in the formation of a triploid endosperm tissue. This tissue contains reserve food materials that serve as nutrition for the developing embryo. The most common type of endosperm development involves the successive nuclear divisions of the primary endosperm cell, leading to the formation of free nuclei. This stage is known as the free-nuclear endosperm. Eventually, cell wall formation occurs, and the endosperm transitions into a cellular state. The number of free nuclei formed before cellularization varies significantly. In the case of tender coconuts, the liquid known as coconut water is composed of a free-nuclear endosperm consisting of thousands of nuclei, while the surrounding white kernel represents the cellular endosperm. Endosperm can either be fully consumed by the developing embryo before seed maturation (e.g., pea, groundnut, beans) or persist in the mature seed and be utilized during seed germination (e.g., castor and coconut). By observing the seeds of castor, peas, beans, groundnut, and coconut, one can identify the presence of endosperm in each case. The embryo develops at the micropylar end of the embryo sac where the zygote is located. Zygotes typically divide after a certain amount of endosperm is formed, ensuring reliable nutrition for the developing embryo. Although seeds differ greatly, the early stages of embryo development (embryogeny) exhibit similarities between monocotyledons and dicotyledons. A typical dicotyledonous embryo consists of an embryonal axis and two cotyledons. The epicotyl, located above the cotyledons, terminates with the plumule or stem tip. The cylindrical portion below the cotyledons is called the hypocotyl, which ends with the radicle or root tip. The root tip is protected by a root cap. In contrast, embryos of monocotyledons possess only one cotyledon, referred to as the scutellum in the grass family. The scutellum is positioned laterally to the embryonal axis

What is the term used for the cotyledon in monocotyledonous embryos, specifically in the grass family?

Scutellum

The correct answer is option (3) - scutellum

The scutellum is a specialized structure found in the embryo of grasses, including wheat. It is a single, large, shield-shaped cotyledon that is responsible for nutrient absorption during germination. It is located between the embryonic axis and the endosperm of the grain. The scutellum plays a vital role in providing nutrients to the developing seedling until it can establish its own photosynthetic capabilities. Therefore, in the given context, the large, shield-shaped cotyledon in the wheat grain is known as the scutellum.

At the lower end of the embryonal axis, there is a structure called the coleorrhiza, which encloses the radicle (root tip) and the root cap. The coleorrhiza is an undifferentiated sheath.

Above the point where the scutellum is attached, the embryonal axis continues as the epicotyl. The epicotyl contains a shoot apex and a few leaf primordia. Enclosing these structures is a hollow foliar structure known as the coleoptile.