Question

An endospermic seed is
A) Pea
B) Gram
C) Castor
D) Bean

Answer 1

Seeds are a very important part of a flowering plant as they help in giving rise to a new plant. Seeds can occur in various shapes and sizes.

Complete answer:
Seeds have a role in producing new offspring, they are present in dormant condition until they have proper conditions. In presence of sunlight, soil and water, seeds can grow into a plant via the process of germination.
A seed basically has three parts,

1. Seed coat
2. Endosperm
3. Embryo

Option A: Pea seeds are an example of non-endospermic seeds as its endosperm gets consumed during the seed development. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: Gram seeds are an example of non-endospermic seeds as they do not contain an endosperm. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option C: In castor, presence of endosperm is seen and therefore, this is the correct option. Seeds are generally of two types based on absence or presence of endosperm.
Non endospermic - These are the seeds which have absence of endosperm.
Endospermic - These are the seeds which have the presence of endosperm.
In castor, the seeds contain fleshy structures known as elaisome. Elaiosomes are rich in proteins and lipids and also help in attracting ants to help in pollination.
Option D: Gram seeds are an example of non-endospermic seeds as they do not contain an endosperm. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is (C) Castor.

Note: The endosperm is the part of seed which is present below the seed coat. It helps in providing nutrition to the seeds in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and starch.