Seeds Questions in English

(C) The correct answer is $C$.
In monocotyledonous seeds like cereals (e.g.,wheat,maize),the embryo consists of one large,shield-shaped cotyledon known as the $Scutellum$.
The $Scutellum$ is situated towards the endosperm and functions to absorb nutrients from the endosperm and transport them to the developing embryo during germination.

(B) In castor,the cotyledons come above the surface of the soil into the air and light due to the rapid growth and elongation of the hypocotyl.
The cotyledons turn green and finally dry up and fall off,and the seedling becomes an independent plant.
This is a type of epigeal germination where the cotyledons function as the first pair of photosynthetic leaves.

(B) The correct answer is $B$.
$Rhizophora$ is a type of mangrove plant that exhibits a phenomenon known as vivipary.
In vivipary,the seed germinates while it is still attached to the parent plant.
This adaptation is common in plants growing in saline,marshy,or swampy areas to ensure the survival of the seedling in a difficult environment.

(D) . The cotyledons of the seeds of $Arachis \text{ } hypogea$ (Groundnut/Peanut) are the primary source of groundnut oil.
These seeds are rich in oil $(43-50\%)$ and proteins $(31\%)$.

(C) During seed germination,the embryonic axis differentiates into two main parts: the radicle and the plumule.
The radicle is the part of the embryonic axis that grows downwards into the soil to form the root system.
The plumule is the part that grows upwards to form the shoot system.
Therefore,the correct part that develops into the root system is the radicle.

(B) The seeds of cotton and madar (Calotropis) are light in weight and possess tufts of hair. These hairs act as a parachute,allowing the seeds to be easily carried away by wind currents to distant places for dispersal.

(B) . $Calotropis$ seeds are dispersed by wind. These seeds possess a tuft of hairs (coma) which makes them light and helps in wind dispersal.
Although $Calotropis$ flowers are pollinated by insects using pollinia,the seeds themselves are adapted for anemochory (wind dispersal).

(B) In many plants,the seed coat (testa) is modified to form wing-like structures that aid in seed dispersal by wind.
Examples of plants with winged seeds include $Cinchona$,$Oroxylum$,$Moringa$,$Swietenia$,and $Lagerstroemia$.
Therefore,among the given options,$Moringa$ is the correct answer.

(C) The caruncle is a fleshy, oil-rich outgrowth found near the micropyle of the castor seed $(Ricinus \text{ } communis)$.
It serves two primary functions:
$1$. It facilitates the absorption of water, which is essential for seed germination.
$2$. It attracts ants, which aid in the dispersal of seeds, a phenomenon known as myrmecophily.

(C) The correct answer is $C$. In $Calotropis$,the seeds possess a tuft of silky hairs at one end,which is technically referred to as a coma. This structure acts like a parachute,allowing the seeds to be easily dispersed by wind currents. Therefore,a coma is essentially a tuft of hair attached to the seed.

(B) The parachute mechanism of seed dispersal is observed in plants like $Calotropis$ (Madar).
In these plants,the seeds possess hair-like structures called pappus or tufts of hair that act as a parachute.
These structures increase the surface area and reduce the weight of the seed,allowing it to remain suspended in the air for a longer duration and travel over long distances with the help of wind currents.

(B) The embryo consists of an embryonal axis or main axis known as the $Tigellum$.
One end of the $Tigellum$ possesses the $Radicle$ (embryonic root),while the other end possesses the $Plumule$ (embryonic shoot).

(C) Malpighian cells are specialized,elongated,columnar cells found in the seed coat (testa) of certain legumes,such as those in the family $Fabaceae$ (e.g.,$Crotalaria$).
These cells are a type of sclereid,specifically referred to as macro-sclereids.
They are characterized by their thick,lignified walls and are responsible for the hardness and impermeability of the seed coat.

(C) The commercially important fibres of cotton are derived from the epidermal hairs of the seeds.
These hairs are unicellular,elongated structures that grow from the seed coat (testa) of the cotton plant $(Gossypium)$.
They are not derived from the stem or root tissues,but are specialized outgrowths of the epidermal cells of the seed.

(C) Starch grains are stored in amyloplasts.
In $Potato$ $(Solanum tuberosum)$, the starch grains are characteristically oval-shaped and possess an eccentric hilum (the point around which starch layers are deposited).
In $Wheat$, starch grains are lenticular.
In $Maize$, they are polyhedral.
In $Rice$, they are compound and angular.

(C) Sunflower $(Helianthus \ annuus)$ belongs to the family Asteraceae,which is a group of dicotyledonous plants.
In dicotyledonous plants,the embryo typically possesses two cotyledons.
Therefore,the embryo in a sunflower seed has two cotyledons.

(A) $Cuscuta$ (dodder) is a parasitic plant that belongs to the class Dicotyledonae.
It is a holoparasite that lacks chlorophyll and does not possess true leaves or cotyledons in its mature embryo structure,as it relies entirely on the host plant for nutrients.

(D) In many dicotyledonous plants, such as $Bean$ ($Phaseolus$ $vulgaris$) and $Castor$ ($Ricinus$ $communis$), the cotyledons emerge above the soil during germination (epigeal germination).
Once they emerge, they turn green and perform photosynthesis, effectively acting as the first pair of leaves for the seedling before the true foliage leaves develop.
In contrast, monocots like $Maize$ and $Rice$ typically exhibit hypogeal germination where the cotyledon remains below the soil.

(C) Peanuts $(Arachis \text{ } hypogaea)$ are legumes. In legumes, the food reserves, including proteins and oils (fats), are primarily stored in the cotyledons of the seed. Therefore, the oil in the peanut plant is stored in the cotyledons.

(C) Surface fibers are those that arise from the surface of seeds or fruits. $Gossypium$ (Cotton) is the most important source of commercial surface fibers. The fibers are epidermal outgrowths of the seed coat. Therefore,the correct option is $C$.

(D) Cotton fibers are epidermal outgrowths of the seed coat. These fibers are obtained from the surface of the cotton seeds. Therefore,the correct answer is $D$ (Seed).

(C) Cotton fibers are classified into two types based on their length: $1$. Lint: These are long,coarse fibers that are used for spinning and weaving into textiles. $2$. Fuzz: These are short,fine,and fuzzy fibers that remain attached to the seed after ginning. Therefore,lint and fuzz are characteristic types of cotton fibers.

(B) Gram $(Cicer \text{ } arietinum)$ is a dicotyledonous plant.
In dicot seeds like gram, the endosperm is consumed during embryo development, making them non-albuminous (ex-albuminous) seeds.
Regarding germination, gram seeds exhibit hypogeal germination, where the cotyledons remain below the soil surface while the plumule grows upwards.

(D) In epigeal germination,the $hypocotyl$ (the portion of the embryo axis between the cotyledons and the radicle) elongates rapidly. This rapid elongation pushes the cotyledons above the soil surface. Therefore,the $hypocotyl$ shows the most significant growth during this process.

(B) In the family $Poaceae$ (grass family),the embryo consists of only one cotyledon.
This single cotyledon is situated towards one side of the embryonal axis and is known as the scutellum.
Therefore,the scutellum is homologous to the cotyledon found in other monocotyledonous plants.
Thus,the correct option is $B$.

(D) In hypogeal germination,the epicotyl elongates while the hypocotyl remains short. As a result,the cotyledons remain below the soil surface. Since they are not exposed to sunlight,they do not develop chlorophyll and consequently do not turn green.

(A) The sunflower $(Helianthus \text{ } annuus)$ belongs to the family $Asteraceae$, which is a member of the class $Dicotyledonae$ (dicots).
Plants in the class $Dicotyledonae$ are characterized by having embryos with two cotyledons.
Therefore, the embryo of a sunflower contains two cotyledons.

(D) In parasitic plants like $Cuscuta$ (Dodder) and $Santalum$ (Sandalwood),the embryo is often reduced and lacks well-developed cotyledons because these plants rely on the host for nutrition during early development. Therefore,both $Cuscuta$ and $Santalum$ exhibit this characteristic.

(B) Germination is of two main types: $1.$ Epigeal germination and $2.$ Hypogeal germination.
In $1.$ Epigeal germination, the cotyledons are pushed above the soil surface due to the elongation of the hypocotyl (e.g., Castor, Bean).
In $2.$ Hypogeal germination, the cotyledons remain inside the soil because the epicotyl elongates while the hypocotyl does not (e.g., Gram, Pea, Maize).
Therefore, among the given options, Gram $(Cicer \text{ } arietinum)$ exhibits hypogeal germination where cotyledons remain underground.

(C) gram seed is a dicotyledonous seed. When the seed coat (testa) is removed from a soaked gram seed,the remaining structure consists of two fleshy cotyledons and the embryo axis (plumule and radicle). Since the cotyledons in a gram seed are the primary storage organs filled with starch,and the embryo is attached between them,the remaining structure is essentially the embryo along with its cotyledons. Among the given options,the most accurate description of the remaining structure is the cotyledons,which are part of the embryo structure. Therefore,the correct answer is $C$.

(D) In monocotyledonous seeds,such as those of grasses,the plumule is protected by a sheath-like structure called the coleoptile. The radicle is protected by the coleorhiza. If the plumule is enclosed within the coleoptile,it is protected from mechanical injury during the emergence of the seedling through the soil. Therefore,the primary shoot does not die; rather,it is shielded and continues to grow. Thus,the correct answer is that neither dies.

(B) The fibers of $Gossypium$ (cotton) are unicellular outgrowths of the seed coat,specifically from the epidermal cells of the seed. These are known as seed hairs or trichomes. They are not derived from the pericarp or phloem.

(C) Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant $Ricinus \text{ } communis$.
$Brassica \text{ } campestris$ is the scientific name for mustard.
$Sesamum \text{ } indicum$ is the scientific name for sesame.
$Cocos \text{ } nucifera$ is the scientific name for coconut.
Therefore, the correct option is $C$.

(A) During seed germination,the embryo consists of a radicle and a plumule.
The radicle is the part of the embryo that develops into the root system.
The plumule is the part of the embryo that develops into the shoot system (stem and leaves).
Therefore,the shoot develops from the plumule.

(D) In $Pomegranate$ $(Punica \, granatum)$, the edible part is the succulent seed coat, known as the $aril$. The seeds themselves, which contain the cotyledons, are also consumed. In $Groundnut$ $(Arachis \, hypogaea)$, the cotyledons are the primary edible part, and the thin, papery seed coat (testa) is often consumed along with the cotyledons. Therefore, both cotyledons and seed coats are edible in these cases.

(C) Cotton fibers are derived from the seed coat of the cotton plant $(Gossypium)$.
These fibers are classified into two types based on their length:
$1$. $Lint$: These are long,coarse fibers that are used for spinning and weaving into textiles.
$2$. $Fuzz$: These are short,fine,and fuzzy fibers that remain attached to the seed even after ginning.
Therefore,lint and fuzz are characteristic types of cotton fibers.

(C) The peanut plant $(Arachis hypogaea)$ stores its oil reserves primarily in the cotyledons of the seed. The cotyledons are the embryonic leaves that contain the nutrients necessary for the germination and early growth of the plant.

(D) Cotton fibers are epidermal outgrowths of the seed coat. These fibers are essentially cellulose and are obtained from the surface of the cotton seeds. Therefore,the correct answer is $D$.

(B) In monocotyledonous seeds like maize, the embryo consists of a single large shield-shaped cotyledon known as the $scutellum$.
$Coleoptile$ is the protective sheath covering the plumule.
$Plumule$ is the embryonic shoot.
$Coleorhiza$ is the protective sheath covering the radicle.
Therefore, the correct option is $B$.

(D) The correct answer is $D$.
In groundnut $(Arachis hypogaea)$, the edible part consists of the cotyledons and the embryo.
In pomegranate $(Punica granatum)$, the fruit is a balausta, where the fleshy, edible portion is the succulent testa (seed coat) of the seeds.

(D) In most seeds,the seed coat is thin and membranous. However,in coconut,the seed coat is not thin and membranous; instead,it is thick and fibrous. The coconut fruit is a drupe,and the fibrous part is the mesocarp,while the seed coat is part of the hard endocarp and the seed itself.

(C) The correct answer is $C$. In monocotyledonous seeds such as cereal grains (e.g.,maize,wheat),the embryo consists of a single cotyledon,which is shield-shaped and is known as the $scutellum$.
$1$. The $scutellum$ is situated towards one side of the embryonic axis and functions to absorb nutrients from the endosperm and transfer them to the developing embryo.
$2$. The $coleoptile$ is a protective sheath that covers the plumule (shoot apex).
$3$. The $coleorhiza$ is a protective sheath that covers the radicle (root apex).
$4$. Therefore,the single cotyledon in cereal grains is specifically termed the $scutellum$.

(D) Maize is a monocotyledonous seed.
$1$. The embryo consists of a single large shield-shaped cotyledon known as the $Scutellum$.
$2$. The outer covering of the endosperm is separated by a proteinaceous layer called the $Aleurone$ layer.
$3$. In maize,the seed coat is membranous and generally fused with the fruit wall (pericarp).
Therefore,all the given options are correct features of a maize seed.

(C) typical dicot seed consists of a seed coat and an embryo.
The embryo is made up of an embryonic axis and two cotyledons.
The cotyledons are often fleshy and full of reserve food materials.
Therefore,the statement 'Absence of embryonic axis' is false because the embryonic axis is a fundamental part of the seed embryo,consisting of the radicle and the plumule.

(A) In monocotyledonous seeds like $Maize$,the embryo consists of one large and shield-shaped cotyledon known as the $Scutellum$.
$Bean$ is a dicotyledonous seed,which possesses two cotyledons that are not shield-shaped.
Therefore,the shield-shaped cotyledon is specific to $Maize$ (a monocot),making option $A$ the correct answer.

(C) The provided figure represents a longitudinal section of a maize grain (a monocot seed).
In a maize grain,the bulk of the seed is occupied by a large,starchy tissue that stores food,known as the endosperm.
The region labeled as $X$ points to this large,nutrient-storing tissue.
Therefore,$X$ represents the endosperm.

(D) Vivipary is a phenomenon where seeds germinate while still attached to the parent plant.
This is a common adaptation in plants growing in saline marshes or mangroves (e.g.,$Rhizophora$ and $Avicennia$).
In these environments,the seeds would not be able to germinate if they fell into the salty water,so the embryo grows into a seedling while attached to the parent,eventually dropping into the mud to establish itself.

(B) Sunflower $(Helianthus \text{ } annuus)$ belongs to the family $Asteraceae$ (or $Compositae$).
It is a dicotyledonous plant.
In dicotyledonous plants, the embryo typically consists of an embryonal axis and two cotyledons.
Therefore, the embryo of a sunflower contains two cotyledons.

(B) In $Tomato$ $(Solanum \text{ } lycopersicum)$, the edible part is the pericarp and placenta. In $Maize$ $(Zea \text{ } mays)$, the edible part is the endosperm and cotyledon. In $Guava$ $(Psidium \text{ } guajava)$, the edible part is the pericarp and placenta. In $Date \text{ } palm$ $(Phoenix \text{ } dactylifera)$, the edible part is the fleshy pericarp. Therefore, the correct match is $Maize - \text{Cotyledon}$ (specifically the scutellum, which is a single cotyledon).

(A) In monocotyledonous seeds such as cereals (e.g.,wheat,maize),the embryo consists of a single cotyledon. This large,shield-shaped cotyledon is known as the $Scutellum$. It is situated towards one side of the embryonal axis. Therefore,the correct option is $A$.