Question

Persistent endosperm is found in
A. Pea
B. Bean
C. Castor
D. Mustard

Answer 1

The endosperm is a tissue produced inside the seed of most of the flowering plant after fertilization. It surrounds the embryo and provides nutrition in the form of starch. It can also contain oils and protein. It is usually a tripod in nature. The endosperm is persistent in cereals.

Complete answer:
The endosperm is formed as a result of the fertilisation of the two sperm nuclei when they reach the interior of the embryo sac. It is found separately from the growing embryo. As each day proceeds, the size of the endosperm nuclei increases. Usually, the endosperm is completely absorbed by the embryo. On the basis of the presence of endosperms, the seeds are of two types-Non-endosperms or exalbuminous and albuminous ar endosperms.

Such seeds in which do not store food and no endosperm is left are known as non-endospermic seeds or exalbuminous seeds. Some examples of such seeds are pea, groundnut, and beans, castor. In the food is stored in dicot plants.

But, there are some plants where the endosperm is not entirely consumed by growing embryos. They have the presence of stored food. This means the endosperm remains persistent. Such plants are called endospermic seeds or albuminous seeds. All the cereals have persistent endosperm. Examples of such plants are- Rice, Mustard, Wheat, Maize, castor. In the case of mustard, the thin fruit wall is fused to the seed coat. Thus, the nutritious part of the grain is the seed and its endosperm.

Therefore the correct answer to this question is option D- Mustard.

Note: In most of the endospermic seeds, food is stored in the form of fat. In the case of coconut, the endosperm is in liquid form. This persistent endosperm is also able to produce hormones like cytokinins. It can also help in cell differentiation.