Q.The part of the ovule that develops into protective coats of a seed after fertilization in a typical flowering plant is : (A) embryo sac (B) nucellus (C) integuments (D) megaspore

Showing the 12 most recent of 26 on this concept.

1. CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQ
   Q.In which of the following seeds is perisperm not found?

   (a) Beet

   (b) Black pepper

   (c) Wheat

   (d) Both (A) and (B)

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Wheat has no perisperm; beet and black pepper are examples of seeds where perisperm persists.

   Perisperm is the residual, persistent nucellus that remains in the mature seed of a few plants. In seeds such as beet (Beta) and black pepper, the nucellus is not fully used up and remains as perisperm. In wheat, the nucellus is completely consumed and only the endosperm remains, so there is no perisperm. Hence the seed lacking perisperm is wheat.

   ✓Final answer

   (C) Wheat.

2. CBSE 2026Set A1 markMCQ
   Q.What is cotyledon called in grass family?

   (a) Plumule

   (b) Radicle

   (c) Hypocotyl

   (d) Scutellum

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   In the grass family (Poaceae), the cotyledon is a shield-shaped structure called the scutellum.

   Grasses are monocots and have a single cotyledon. In their embryo this cotyledon is highly modified into a shield-shaped structure that lies against the endosperm and absorbs food from it during germination — this is called the scutellum. The plumule is the embryonic shoot, the radicle the embryonic root, and the hypocotyl the region below the cotyledon — none of these is the cotyledon itself.

   ✓Final answer

   (D) Scutellum.

3. CBSE 2026Set BOTANY1 markMCQ
   Q.In a developing monocot embryo, _____ is often called the scutellum.

   (a) plumule

   (b) cotyledon

   (c) radicle

   (d) root cap

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   In a developing monocot (e.g. grass family) embryo, the single cotyledon is specialised into a shield-shaped structure called the scutellum, which absorbs nutrients from the endosperm.

   A mature dicot embryo has two cotyledons, a plumule (embryonic shoot) and a radicle (embryonic root). A mature monocot embryo, in contrast, has only a single cotyledon. In grasses (Poaceae) such as maize, rice and wheat, this single cotyledon is large, shield-shaped, and pressed against the endosperm; it is given the special name scutellum. The scutellum's main function is absorptive - during seed germination it secretes enzymes (like amylases, under gibberellin control) that digest the stored starch of the endosperm and absorb the resulting nutrients to nourish the growing embryo. The embryonal axis of a monocot embryo also bears a coleoptile (a sheath enclosing the plumule) at the shoot end and a coleorhiza (a sheath enclosing the radicle) at the root end, but neither of these is the scutellum.

   ✓Final answer

   (b) cotyledon - specifically, the monocot's single cotyledon, specialised as the shield-shaped, nutrient-absorbing scutellum.

4. CBSE 2026Set ANNUAL1 markMCQ
   Q.In a grass family, the cotyledon is called

   (a) plumule

   (b) radicle

   (c) embryo

   (d) scutellum

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The scutellum is the specialised, shield-shaped single cotyledon characteristic of grass-family (monocot) embryos.

   In the embryo of members of the grass family (Poaceae), the single cotyledon is highly modified into a shield-shaped structure known as the scutellum, situated laterally, one side pressed against the endosperm. It functions to absorb and transfer nutrients from the endosperm to the growing embryo axis during germination. The plumule (a) and radicle (b) are the embryonic shoot and root respectively (not the cotyledon), and 'embryo' (c) refers to the whole young plant structure, not specifically its cotyledon.

   ✓Final answer

   (d) scutellum

5. CBSE 2025Set 57/4/11 markMCQ
   Q.Select the statements that are true for a typical dicotyledonous embryo from the given options.

   (i) It consists of an embryonal axis and scutellum.

   (ii) The portion of embryonal axis above the level of cotyledon is epicotyl.

   (iii) The portion of embryonal axis below the level of cotyledon is coleorhiza.

   (iv) The lower end of the embryo has radicle covered with a root cap. Choose the correct answer : (A)

   (i) and

   (ii) (B)

   (i) and

   (iii) (C)

   (iii) and

   (iv) (D)

   (ii) and (iv)

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A dicot embryo has an epicotyl above the cotyledons and a radicle (with root cap) below; scutellum and coleorhiza are monocot features.

   The structure of a seed embryo differs fundamentally between monocots and dicots, and recognizing these differences is essential for understanding seed anatomy. The question asks us to identify features specific to a dicotyledonous embryo, so we need to carefully distinguish what belongs to dicots versus what is characteristic of monocots.

   Every angiosperm embryo, whether monocot or dicot, consists of an embryonal axis and one or more cotyledons (seed leaves). The embryonal axis is the young stem-root axis of the plant, and it has two distinct regions defined by their position relative to the cotyledons.

   Let's examine each statement:

   Statement (i): "It consists of an embryonal axis and scutellum."

   The scutellum is the single, shield-shaped cotyledon found in monocots like maize and wheat. Dicots, by definition, have two cotyledons, not a scutellum. This statement is incorrect for dicots.

   Statement (ii): "The portion of embryonal axis above the level of cotyledon is epicotyl."

   This is accurate. The epicotyl is the part of the embryonal axis that lies above the point of attachment of the cotyledons. In dicots, the epicotyl terminates in the plumule, which is the embryonic shoot tip that will develop into the shoot system. This statement is correct.

   Note

   The epicotyl often bears a few immature leaves in the embryo, visible as the plumule. After germination, this region grows into the stem and leaves above the cotyledons.

   Statement (iii): "The portion of embryonal axis below the level of cotyledon is coleorhiza."

   The coleorhiza is a protective sheath that covers the radicle in monocot embryos, particularly in grasses. In dicots, the portion of the embryonal axis below the cotyledons is simply called the hypocotyl, and it terminates in the radicle (the embryonic root). There is no coleorhiza in dicots. This statement is incorrect.

   Statement (iv): "The lower end of the embryo has radicle covered with a root cap."

   This is correct. The radicle is the embryonic root located at the lower end of the embryonal axis in both monocots and dicots. In dicots, the radicle is covered by a root cap (calyptra), which protects the growing root tip as it pushes through the soil during germination. This statement is accurate for dicots.

   Important

   The key dicot features are: two cotyledons, an epicotyl above them (ending in the plumule), a hypocotyl below them, and a radicle with a root cap at the base. Scutellum and coleorhiza are monocot-specific structures.

   Statements (ii) and (iv) correctly describe a typical dicotyledonous embryo, while statements (i) and (iii) incorrectly attribute monocot features to dicots.

   ✓Final answer

   In short, a dicot embryo has an epicotyl above the cotyledons and a radicle covered with a root cap below; scutellum and coleorhiza are monocot features. The correct answer is (D) (ii) and (iv).

6. CBSE 2025Set 57/6/11 markMCQ
   Q.Select the statements that are true for the seed of angiosperm from the given options :

   (i) Non-albuminous seeds have no residual endosperm.

   (ii) Residual, persistent nucellus in wheat is known as perisperm.

   (iii) Integuments of ovules harden as tough protective seed coat.

   (iv) Metabolic activity of the embryo slows down in dormancy. Choose the correct option : (A)

   (i) and

   (ii) (B)

   (ii) and

   (iii) (C)

   (iii) and

   (iv) (D)

   (i) and (iv)

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   In angiosperm seeds, the integuments harden into a protective seed coat, and the embryo’s metabolic activity slows during dormancy — but non-albuminous seeds lack endosperm, not residual endosperm, and the persistent nucellus in wheat is called perisperm only in certain other seeds like black pepper.

   Let’s walk through each statement carefully, because the terminology around seed structure can be tricky — and the NCERT textbook is very precise about it.

   Statement (i): “Non-albuminous seeds have no residual endosperm.”

   This sounds plausible, but it’s not quite right. Non-albuminous seeds (also called exalbuminous seeds) are those in which the endosperm is completely consumed during embryo development, so the mature seed lacks endosperm altogether. The phrase “residual endosperm” would imply that some endosperm remains — but in non-albuminous seeds, there is none left. The NCERT clearly states that in such seeds (e.g., pea, groundnut), the endosperm is absent. So saying “no residual endosperm” is technically correct in meaning, but the wording is misleading because “residual” suggests something that could remain but doesn’t. More importantly, the NCERT uses the term “non-albuminous” precisely for seeds without endosperm — not for seeds that have some leftover. So this statement is false as phrased.

   Note

   A common confusion: “non-albuminous” means endosperm is absent at maturity. “Albuminous” seeds retain endosperm. The word “residual” is not used by NCERT for this distinction.

   Statement (ii): “Residual, persistent nucellus in wheat is known as perisperm.”

   This is incorrect. In wheat, which is a cereal grain, the persistent nucellus does not form a perisperm. The NCERT textbook specifically mentions that perisperm is the persistent nucellus found in seeds like black pepper and beet — not in wheat. In wheat, the endosperm is the major storage tissue, and the nucellus degenerates. So this statement is false.

   Statement (iii): “Integuments of ovules harden as tough protective seed coat.”

   This is exactly what happens. After fertilisation, the integuments of the ovule undergo changes — they become thick, hard, and form the seed coat (testa). The NCERT describes this clearly: the outer integument becomes the testa, and the inner one may become the tegmen. Together they protect the embryo. This statement is true.

   Statement (iv): “Metabolic activity of the embryo slows down in dormancy.”

   Yes. Dormancy is a period when the seed’s metabolic processes are greatly reduced — respiration, enzyme activity, and growth all slow to a minimum. The NCERT explains that dormancy helps the seed survive unfavourable conditions until germination. This statement is true.

   So the true statements are (iii) and (iv). That corresponds to option (C).

   Important

   Always check the NCERT examples: perisperm is not found in wheat — it’s found in black pepper and beet. And non-albuminous seeds have no endosperm, not just “no residual” endosperm.

   ✓Final answer

   The correct option is (C) — statements (iii) and (iv) are true: integuments harden into a seed coat, and the embryo’s metabolism slows during dormancy.

7. CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.Fill in the blank: A typical dicotyledonous embryo consists of an ___ and two cotyledons.

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   A typical dicot embryo has an embryonal axis and two cotyledons attached to it.

   In a dicotyledonous seed (e.g., gram, pea), the mature embryo consists of an embryonal axis bearing a radicle (embryonic root) at one end and a plumule (embryonic shoot) at the other, with two cotyledons attached laterally to the axis. The cotyledons are often fleshy and store food, while the embryonal axis develops into the root and shoot system on germination.

   ✓Final answer

   embryonal axis.

8. CBSE 2025Set ANNUAL1 mark
   Q.Which among the following is a non-albuminous seed ? (Wheat, Groundnut, Maize, Barley)

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   Seeds in which the endosperm is used up completely during embryo development, so that the mature seed stores food in the cotyledons instead, are called non-albuminous seeds; among wheat, groundnut, maize and barley, only groundnut is non-albuminous.

   Based on whether endosperm persists in the mature seed:

   • Albuminous (endospermic) seeds: retain a part of the endosperm as the food-storing tissue at maturity, because it is not fully used up by the growing embryo — e.g. wheat, maize, barley (all cereals/monocots), castor.
   • Non-albuminous (ex-albuminous) seeds: the endosperm is completely consumed by the growing embryo during seed development, so the mature seed has no endosperm and food is instead stored in the thick, fleshy cotyledons — e.g. groundnut, pea, gram, bean.

   So, of the four options, groundnut is the non-albuminous seed.

   ✓Final answer

   Groundnut.

9. CBSE 2024Set 57/3/11 markMCQ
   Q.The part of the ovule that develops into protective coats of a seed after fertilization in a typical flowering plant is : (A) embryo sac (B) nucellus (C) integuments (D) megaspore

   ›Reveal solutionSolution

   The integuments of the ovule develop into the protective seed coats after fertilization in a typical flowering plant.

   In a flowering plant, the ovule is the structure within the ovary that contains the female gametophyte. Before fertilization, the ovule consists of several distinct parts: the nucellus (the central mass of tissue), the embryo sac (the female gametophyte inside the nucellus), and the integuments (the protective layers that surround the nucellus, leaving a small opening called the micropyle).

   After fertilization, the entire ovule transforms into a seed. The zygote develops into the embryo, and the endosperm forms from the triploid nucleus. But what happens to the outer coverings? The integuments, which were already present as protective layers around the ovule, undergo a dramatic change. They become thick, hard, and often differentiated into two layers: the outer testa and the inner tegmen. Together, these form the seed coat, which protects the embryo and endosperm from mechanical injury, desiccation, and pathogens.

   Note

   In some seeds, the nucellus may persist as a thin layer called the perisperm (e.g., in black pepper and beetroot), but it does not form the main protective coat. The embryo sac degenerates after fertilization, and the megaspore is the cell that gives rise to the embryo sac, not the seed coat.

   Important

   The integuments are the only part of the ovule that consistently and primarily develop into the seed coats. This is a standard NCERT fact for Class 12 Biology (Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants).

   Let’s quickly rule out the other options to be thorough:

   • Embryo sac – This is the female gametophyte. After fertilization, it contains the zygote and endosperm, but it does not form any protective covering.
   • Nucellus – This is the nutritive tissue inside the ovule. It is consumed during seed development or may persist as perisperm, but it never becomes the seed coat.
   • Megaspore – This is the haploid cell that divides to form the embryo sac. It is not a structural part of the ovule that persists after fertilization.

   ✓Final answer

   In short, the integuments of the ovule develop into the protective seed coats (testa and tegmen) after fertilization.

10. CBSE 2024Set E1 markMCQ
    Q.Scutellum present in the seeds of grass is called

    (a) Endosperm

    (b) Cotyledon

    (c) Seed coat

    (d) Embryonal axis

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    The scutellum is the single cotyledon of a grass (cereal) seed.

    Grasses are monocots and their seeds have a single cotyledon. This cotyledon is modified into a shield-shaped structure lying against the endosperm, called the scutellum. It secretes enzymes and absorbs the digested food from the endosperm to nourish the growing embryo during germination. It is therefore neither the endosperm (nutritive tissue, option a), nor the seed coat, nor the embryonal axis.

    ✓Final answer

    (b) Cotyledon.

11. CBSE 2024Set D1 markMCQ
    Q.Persistent nucellus in the seed is known as:

    (a) Hilum

    (b) Tegmen

    (c) Chalaza

    (d) Perisperm

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    When the nucellus is not fully consumed during seed development and persists in the mature seed, this residual nucellar tissue is called the perisperm.

    During seed development, the nucellus (the tissue surrounding the embryo sac within the ovule) is normally completely used up as the embryo and endosperm grow, providing nutrition to the developing seed.

    However, in certain seeds, such as black pepper and beet, some part of the nucellus is not fully consumed and remains in the mature seed as a nutritive tissue. This persistent remnant of the nucellus is specifically termed the perisperm.

    The other options refer to different seed/ovule structures: the hilum is the scar left on the seed coat where the seed was attached to the fruit; the tegmen is the inner layer of the seed coat; the chalaza is the basal region of the ovule where the integuments and stalk merge.

    ✓Final answer

    (d) Perisperm.

12. CBSE 2024Set ANNUAL1 markMCQ
    Q.An example of a non-albuminous seed is

    (a) Wheat

    (b) Maize

    (c) Pea

    (d) Castor

    ›Reveal solutionSolution

    Seeds are classed as albuminous (retain endosperm) or non-albuminous (endosperm used up); pea belongs to the non-albuminous group.

    During seed development, the endosperm nourishes the growing embryo. In some seeds (e.g., wheat, maize, castor) the endosperm persists in the mature seed and is used during germination — these are called albuminous (endospermic) seeds. In other seeds, such as pea, gram and groundnut, the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo itself before the seed matures, so the mature seed has no residual endosperm — these are called non-albuminous (non-endospermic) seeds; the food reserve instead is stored in the cotyledons.

    ✓Final answer

    (c) Pea is the non-albuminous seed among the options; wheat, maize and castor are albuminous.