Question

In coconut, brown covering (thin layer) adherent to the kernel around the endosperm?
(a) Mesocarp
(b) Seed Coat
(c) Pericarp
(d) Endocarp

Answer 1

The outer layer of the structures formed from ovules after post-fertilization that protect from bacteria and fungi and also covers food storage tissues.

Complete answer:
The fruit of coconut is called drupe developed from monocarpellary superior ovaries. examples: mango and coconut where pericarp is differentiated into epicarp mesocarp and endocarp. The thin layer which is around the endosperm of coconut is a seed coat that protects the seed from fungi, bacteria, and water loss.

Additional Information: Depending on the pericarp fruits are divided into fleshy fruits and dry fruits. In fleshy fruits pericarp is differentiated into epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp whereas, in dry fruits, the pericarp is dry and invisible.
- Based upon the nature of pericarp fleshy fruits are subdivided into five types namely berry, drupe, hesperidium, pepo, and pome.
- The fruit which is developed from monocarpellary superior ovaries is called a drupe. They contain a single seed.
- Mango is a drupe where pericarp is differentiated into outer thin epicarp, middle edible mesocarp, and inner hard endocarp but in coconut which is also a drupe where mesocarp is fibrous
- The layer around the kernel is surrounded by a thin layer to protect the seed from bacteria, fungi, and water loss is a seed coat.
- Testa is the outermost layer of a seed coat which is thick and hard. Tegmen is the second layer of a seed coat which is softer.
so, the correct answer is 'seed coat'

Note: The seed coat in some plants does not open during unfavorable conditions. This period is called dormancy. They open when the conditions are favorable.
water present in the coconut is the free endosperm.
The scientific name of coconut is Cocus nucifera.