The identifying features of the embryo of monocotyledons are:
(A). Coleoptile
(B). Root cap enclosed in coleorhiza
(C). Pericarp
(D). One cotyledon
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (B) and (D) only
The embryo of a monocotyledon, such as a grass, has a single cotyledon called the scutellum. The two ends of its embryonal axis are covered by protective sheaths.
(A) Coleoptile Correct. The coleoptile is the hollow sheath that covers the shoot apex (epicotyl) of the monocot embryo.
(B) Root cap enclosed in coleorhiza Correct. At the lower end, the radicle and root cap are enclosed in a sheath called the coleorhiza.
(C) Pericarp Incorrect. The pericarp is the wall of the fruit, formed from the ovary wall. It is not part of the embryo.
(D) One cotyledon Correct. A monocot embryo has only one cotyledon, the scutellum, while a dicot embryo has two.
NCERT Extract:
Embryo – “… Embryos of monocotyledons (Figure 1.14 b) possess only one cotyledon. In the grass family the cotyledon is called scutellum that is situated towards one side (lateral) of the embryonal axis. At its lower end, the embryonal axis has the radical and root cap enclosed in an undifferentiated sheath called coleorrhiza. The portion of the embryonal axis above the level of attachment of scutellum is the epicotyl. Epicotyl has a shoot apex and a few leaf primordia enclosed in a hollow foliar structure, the coleoptile.”
