Seed and Fruit Questions in English

(D) In angiosperms,after fertilization,the floral parts like stamens,petals,and the style/stigma of the pistil usually wither and fall off. However,the sepals often remain attached to the developing fruit in many species (e.g.,in Solanaceae family members like tomato or brinjal). Therefore,the sepals are the part that typically remains attached.

(A) In angiosperms,after the process of fertilization,the floral parts undergo significant changes.
$1$. The ovule develops into the seed.
$2$. The ovary matures and develops into the fruit.
$3$. The ovary wall develops into the pericarp (fruit wall).
Therefore,the ovule transforms into a seed and the ovary transforms into a fruit.

(B) In angiosperms,after the process of double fertilization,the ovule undergoes significant developmental changes.
$1$. The fertilized ovule matures to form the $Seed$.
$2$. The ovary develops into the $Fruit$.
$3$. The integuments of the ovule harden to form the seed coat.
Therefore,the fertilized ovule corresponds to the seed.

(C) Non-albuminous seeds are those in which the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo before the seed matures.
These seeds are also known as ex-albuminous seeds.
Examples include pea,groundnut,and beans.
In contrast,albuminous seeds retain a part of the endosperm in the mature seed (e.g.,wheat,maize,castor).

(D) Albuminous seeds (endospermic seeds) are those in which the endosperm is retained in the mature seed to provide nourishment to the developing embryo. Examples include wheat,maize,barley,and castor. Groundnut is an ex-albuminous (non-endospermic) seed,where the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo before seed maturation. Therefore,groundnut is the incorrect option in the context of albuminous seeds.

(A) In some seeds,such as black pepper and beet,remnants of the nucellus are still present. This residual,persistent nucellus is known as the perisperm.

(C) The perisperm is the persistent nucellus in a seed. In most seeds, the nucellus is consumed during the development of the embryo. However, in some plants like black pepper $(Piper \, nigrum)$ and beet, the nucellus remains as a thin, dry layer surrounding the endosperm. This residual, persistent nucellus is known as the perisperm.

(B) After fertilization,the ovule develops into a seed.
Specifically,the integuments of the ovule harden and transform into the protective seed coat (testa and tegmen).
The ovary develops into the fruit,and the ovary wall develops into the pericarp.

(B) In angiosperms,after the process of fertilization,the ovules develop into seeds and the ovary develops into a fruit.
Specifically,the wall of the ovary transforms into the fruit wall,which is known as the pericarp.
The pericarp can be fleshy or dry depending on the type of fruit.

(C) Fruits in which floral parts other than the ovary contribute to fruit formation are called false fruits or accessory fruits.
In the given list:
$1$. Pea: True fruit (develops only from the ovary).
$2$. Cashew: False fruit (thalamus contributes to fruit formation).
$3$. Mango: True fruit (develops only from the ovary).
$4$. Strawberry: False fruit (thalamus contributes to fruit formation).
$5$. Orange: True fruit (develops only from the ovary).
$6$. Apple: False fruit (thalamus contributes to fruit formation).
Therefore,there are $3$ such fruits (Cashew,Strawberry,and Apple) that involve other floral parts in their formation.

(B) fruit that develops exclusively from the ovary of a flower after fertilization is known as a $True \, fruit$ (or $Eucarp$).
In contrast, if other floral parts like the thalamus contribute to fruit formation, it is called a $False \, fruit$ (e.g., apple, strawberry).
$Parthenocarpic \, fruits$ are those that develop without fertilization.
Therefore, the correct answer is $True \, fruit$.

(A) The banana is a classic example of a parthenocarpic fruit.
Parthenocarpy is the development of a fruit without fertilization.
Since fertilization does not occur,no seeds are formed within the fruit.
Therefore,bananas are naturally seedless.

(D) The mature embryo in a seed is protected by the seed coat. The seed coat is formed from the integuments of the ovule. It acts as a protective covering that shields the embryo from mechanical injury,desiccation,and pathogen attack.

(C) The seeds of $Lupinus$ $arcticus$ (Arctic lupine) were found in the Arctic Tundra. These seeds germinated and flowered after an estimated dormancy period of approximately $10,000$ years. This is a classic example of extreme seed viability in plants.

(B) The $2000$-year-old viable seeds of the date palm, $Phoenix dactylifera$, were discovered during an archaeological excavation at King Herod's Palace near the Dead Sea. These seeds remained viable for such a long duration, demonstrating the longevity of seed dormancy.

(D) The viable seed of the date palm $(Phoenix dactylifera)$ was discovered during an archaeological excavation at King Herod's palace near the Dead Sea.
This seed was estimated to be approximately $2,000$ years old.
Despite its age, the seed remained viable and was successfully germinated.

(B) In the context of parasitic plants,$Orobanche$ and $Striga$ are well-known examples that produce a massive number of tiny seeds.
Among the given options,$Orobanche$ is a parasitic plant that produces fruits containing a very large number of seeds,which is an adaptation to ensure the survival and dispersal of the species in the absence of a host.
While $Orchids$ also produce a large number of tiny seeds,they are generally not classified as parasitic plants in the same context as $Orobanche$ or $Striga$.

(C) In some angiosperms,the number of seeds per fruit is very high.
Examples include species like $Orobanche$ and $Striga$,which produce thousands of tiny seeds in a single fruit.
These seeds are adapted for wind dispersal and have a high reproductive potential.
Therefore,the correct option is $C$.

(C) The correct matching is as follows:
$(a)$ Pea: These are non-albuminous (ex-albuminous) seeds where the endosperm is completely consumed during embryo development. Thus, $(a-4)$.
$(b)$ Beet: In some seeds like beet and black pepper, remnants of nucellus are persistent, which is known as perisperm. Thus, $(b-3)$.
$(c)$ Castor: These are albuminous (endospermic) seeds that retain a part of the endosperm. Thus, $(c-2)$.
$(d)$ Barley: These are albuminous monocot seeds. Thus, $(d-1)$.
Therefore, the correct sequence is $a-4, b-3, c-2, d-1$.

(B) The process of fruit formation without fertilization is known as $Parthenocarpy$.
$Parthenogenesis$ refers to the development of an embryo from an unfertilized egg.
$Apomixis$ is a form of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction,where seeds are formed without fertilization.
Therefore,the correct term for fruit formation without fertilization is $Parthenocarpy$.

(B) Orchids produce the smallest and lightest seeds in the plant kingdom. These seeds are often referred to as 'dust seeds' because they are extremely minute,lack endosperm,and contain an undifferentiated embryo. Due to their lightweight nature,they are easily dispersed by wind over long distances.

(B) In some plants,such as apple,strawberry,and cashew,the thalamus also contributes to fruit formation along with the ovary. These fruits are known as false fruits or pseudocarps.

(D) In most plants,the fruit develops only from the ovary,and other floral parts degenerate. Such fruits are called true fruits.
However,in some species,such as apple,strawberry,and cashew,the thalamus also contributes to fruit formation. Such fruits are called false fruits.
In the given image:
$(a)$ Mango is a true fruit.
$(b)$ Coconut is a true fruit.
$(c)$ Apple is a false fruit (thalamus contributes to fruit formation).
$(d)$ Strawberry is a false fruit (thalamus contributes to fruit formation).
Therefore,$(c)$ and $(d)$ are false fruits.

(C) The provided diagrams show different types of seeds.
Diagrams $a$ and $b$ represent monocot seeds (maize and wheat),which are albuminous (endospermic) seeds because they retain endosperm at maturity.
Diagrams $c$ and $d$ represent dicot seeds (bean and pea),which are ex-albuminous (non-endospermic) seeds because the endosperm is consumed during embryo development.
Therefore,$a \& b$ represent albuminous seeds.

(D) In non-endospermic (or ex-albuminous) seeds,such as $Pisum$ (pea),$Arachis$ (groundnut),and $Cucurbita$,the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo during seed maturation.
Consequently,the endosperm is no longer present in the mature seed.
Therefore,these seeds are classified as non-endospermic seeds.

(C) The fruit is a characteristic feature of flowering plants. It is defined as a mature or ripened ovary that develops after the process of fertilisation. In most plants,the ovary wall develops into the pericarp,and the ovules develop into seeds.

(B) fruit formed without the process of fertilisation of the ovary is known as a parthenocarpic fruit.
Parthenocarpic fruits are typically seedless.
Examples include bananas and grapes.
Parthenocarpic tomato fruits can be induced by treating the plants with low concentrations of plant growth regulators such as gibberellic acid and auxin.

(D) Parthenocarpy (Greek: $parthenos$ = virgin; $karpos$ = fruit) is the production and development of seedless fruits without fertilization of an egg in the ovary.
In many fruits like banana, orange, and lemon, seedless fruits are desirable because seeds are not required for consumption.
However, in pomegranate $(Punica \, granatum)$, the edible part is the fleshy seed coat (aril).
If a pomegranate were to be produced via parthenocarpy, it would lack seeds, meaning the edible portion would be absent.
Therefore, parthenocarpy makes no sense in the case of pomegranate.

(D) The seed coat is typically composed of two layers. The outer layer is known as the $Testa$,while the inner layer is known as the $Tegmen$. Therefore,the correct answer is $Tegmen$.

(D) Endospermic or albuminous seeds are those in which the endosperm is retained in the mature seed to provide nourishment to the developing embryo. Among the given options, $Bean$, $Gram$, and $Pea$ are non-endospermic (ex-albuminous) seeds, where the endosperm is consumed during seed development. $Castor$ $(Ricinus \text{ } communis)$ is a classic example of an endospermic seed.

(C) The nucellus is a diploid $(2n)$ parenchymatous tissue,not a haploid $(n)$ tissue.
In some plants like black pepper and beet,a part of the nucellus remains persistent in the seed,which is known as the perisperm.
Therefore,the Assertion is correct,but the Reason is incorrect.

(C) The development of fruit without the process of fertilization is known as $Parthenocarpy$.
In this process,the ovary develops into a fruit without being fertilized by pollen grains.
This phenomenon is often used in agriculture to produce seedless fruits,such as bananas,grapes,and watermelons.
$Parthenogenesis$ refers to the development of an embryo from an unfertilized egg,which is a different biological process.

(A) Oviparous organisms are those that lay eggs.
In these organisms,although fertilization may occur inside the body,the zygote develops into an embryo outside the female parent's body.
The eggs are covered by a hard calcareous shell and are laid in a safe place in the environment,where the embryo undergoes development.

(D) In angiosperms,after fertilization,the following changes occur:
$1$. The Zygote develops into the Embryo.
$2$. The Primary Endosperm Nucleus $(PEN)$ develops into the Endosperm.
$3$. The Ovary matures into the Fruit.
$4$. The Ovule develops into the Seed,and the Integuments of the ovule develop into the Seed Coat (Testa and Tegmen).
$5$. The Ovary wall develops into the Pericarp.
Therefore,the option 'Integument $\longrightarrow$ Pericarp' is incorrect because the integuments form the seed coat,not the pericarp.

(C) In angiosperms,after fertilization,the ovule develops into a seed.
Specifically,the integuments of the ovule harden and differentiate to form the protective covering of the seed,known as the seed coat.
The outer integument forms the testa,and the inner integument forms the tegmen.
Therefore,the correct answer is $C$.

(A) The seed of the Judean date palm $(Phoenix \; dactylifera)$ is known for its remarkable longevity.
Archaeological excavations at King Herod's palace on Masada, Israel, yielded seeds that were approximately $2,000$ years old.
These seeds were found to be viable and successfully germinated, demonstrating that some seeds can remain dormant and viable for extremely long periods under specific environmental conditions.

(D) In some seeds,such as those of black pepper and beet,the nucellus is not completely consumed during the development of the embryo.
This persistent,residual nucellus is known as perisperm.
Therefore,perisperm is found in both black pepper and beet.

(A) The viability of lupine $(Lupinus \; arcticus)$ seed is $10,000 \; \text{years}$.
Viability refers to the ability of a seed to remain alive and germinate under favorable conditions.
This specific seed was excavated from Arctic tundra and was found to be viable after a dormancy period of approximately $10,000 \; \text{years}$.

(A) Seed storage requires the reduction of metabolic activity to ensure longevity.
Dehydration reduces the water content in the seed,which inhibits enzymatic activity and prevents premature germination.
Dormancy is a state of suspended growth where the embryo remains inactive due to internal physiological factors or environmental conditions.
Together,dehydration and dormancy allow seeds to remain viable for long periods until favorable conditions for germination are met.

(A) Perisperm is the persistent remnant of the nucellus.
In some seeds,such as those of black pepper and beet,the nucellus is not completely consumed during the development of the embryo.
This residual,persistent nucellus is referred to as perisperm.

(D) In most plants,the fruit develops exclusively from the ovary,and these are known as true fruits,while other floral parts degenerate and fall off.
However,in certain species such as apple,strawberry,and cashew,the thalamus also contributes to fruit formation.
Such fruits,where the thalamus or other floral parts participate in fruit development,are referred to as false fruits.

(D) Seeds are classified based on the presence or absence of endosperm.
Non-endospermic (or exalbuminous) seeds are those in which the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo before seed maturation.
Examples of non-endospermic seeds include $Groundnut$, $Pea$, and $Beans$.
Conversely, endospermic (or albuminous) seeds are those in which the endosperm persists in the mature seed, such as in $Castor$ and $Coconut$.

(D) Non-albuminous seeds are also known as ex-albuminous seeds.
In these seeds,the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo during seed maturation.
Consequently,the cotyledons become thick and fleshy as they store the reserve food,while the endosperm is absent or reduced to a very thin layer.
Therefore,all the given statements are correct.

(A) The micropyle is a small opening in the ovule through which the pollen tube enters during fertilization. During seed germination,the micropyle allows for the entry of water,which is essential for the activation of metabolic processes. Additionally,it facilitates gaseous exchange between the embryo and the external environment.

(C) Exalbuminous seeds,also known as non-endospermic seeds,are seeds in which the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo during seed maturation.
Examples of exalbuminous seeds include pea,groundnut,and beans.
In contrast,albuminous (endospermic) seeds retain a part of the endosperm,such as in wheat,castor,and rice.

(A) In monocot seeds,the embryo consists of a single cotyledon called the scutellum.
The plumule is enclosed in a protective sheath known as the coleoptile.
The radicle is enclosed in a protective sheath known as the coleorhiza.
Therefore,the correct sequence for plumule and radicle is coleoptile and coleorhiza respectively.

(B) Perisperm is the persistent remnant of the nucellus that remains in the seed after fertilization.
In some seeds,such as $Black \ pepper$ $(Piper \ nigrum)$ and $Beet$ $(Beta \ vulgaris)$,the nucellus is not completely consumed during the development of the embryo and persists as a nutritive tissue called perisperm.
Therefore,these are known as perispermic seeds.

(A) Parthenocarpy is the development of a fruit without the process of fertilization.
In this process,the ovary develops into a fruit without being fertilized by pollen grains.
Banana is a classic example of a naturally occurring parthenocarpic fruit,as it is seedless.

(B) In castor $(Ricinus \text{ } communis)$, the outer integumentary cells near the micropyle proliferate to form a fleshy, white, outgrowth known as the caruncle.
This structure is rich in lipids and proteins.
Its primary function is to attract ants, which then carry the seeds to different locations, thereby facilitating seed dispersal.
This specific type of seed dispersal mediated by ants is known as myrmecophily.

(A) The given figure represents a cross-section of an apple,which is a false fruit.
In an apple,the fleshy edible part is derived from the thalamus $(a)$.
The central part contains the seeds $(b)$.
The pericarp is differentiated into the inner endocarp $(c)$ and the fleshy mesocarp $(d)$.
Therefore,the correct identification is $a$: Thalamus,$b$: Seed,$c$: Endocarp,$d$: Mesocarp.