1. Mention whether the following statements are True (T) or False(F) 

(i) Plumule is the future root and radicle the future shoot of the plant. T/F 

(ii) Micropyle serves for the emergence of the radicle. T/F 

(iii) Cotyledons in castor are a big store of food for the embryo. T/F 

(iv) Maize grain has a large endosperm. T/F

(v) Tegmen is the outmost layer of the seed. T/F 

Solution 

(i) The statement is false. The plumule is the future shoot and the radicle is the future form of root. 

(ii) The statement is true. 

(iii) The statement is true. 

(iv) The statement is true. 

(v) The statement is false. It is a thin layer lying next to the testa. 

A. Multiple Choice Type 

1. Which one of the following plant parts is correctly matched with one of its stated characteristic? 

(a) Mango seed - aleurone layer 

(b) Bean seed — endosperm 

(c) Maize grain — coleoptile 

(d) Wheat grain - exalbuminous 

Solution (c) Maize grain - coleoptile 

The plumule of the maize pierces through its protective sheath, the coleoptile to grow upwards. It is one of the protective sheaths. 

2. Seeds sown very deep in the soil fail to germinate because they 

(a) Cannot exert enough force to push the soil upward. 

(b) Do not get enough sunlight. 

(c) Get to much water. 

(d) Do not get enough oxygen. 

Solution (d) Do not get enough oxygen 

For germination of the seeds sown, oxygen is required. 

3. Fill in the blanks: 

(a) In bean seeds, _____ grows faster and the seeds are brought _______ ground. 

(b) _________ is a protective layer of radicle and _______ protects the rolled plumule. 

(c) A seed is protected by ________ and ___________. 

(d) Seeds absorb water through ________ which also helps in diffusion of respiratory gases.

 (e) Rice, wheat, and maize are rich in _________ food. 

Solution 

(a) In bean seeds, Plumule grows faster and the seeds are brought above ground. 

(b) Coleorhiza is a protective layer of radicle and Coleoptile protects the rolled plumule. 

(c) A seed is protected by Seed coat and testa. 

(d) Seeds absorb water through Micropyle which also helps in diffusion of respiratory gases. 

(e) Rice, wheat, and maize are rich in starch food. 

4. Arrange the following set of terms in order, so as to be in logical sequence. Rewrite the correct order. 

(a) Embryo, 1st male gamete, zygote, egg cell, micropyle. 

(b) Zygote, embryo, seed, allogamy, fusion of gametes. 

(c) Seed coat bursts, hypocotyl elongates, radicle grows downwards, hypocotyl forms loop above the soil, epicotyl elongates. 

Solution 

(a) Micropyle, 1st male gametes, egg cell, zygote, embryo. 

(b) Allogamy, fusion of gametes, zygote, embryo, seed. 

(c) Seed coat bursts, radicle grows downwards, hypocotyls from loop above the soil, epicotyl elongate

C. Short Answer Type 

1. What is the difference between an embryo and a seed? 

Solution:

2. Give any two examples each of endospermic (albuminous) seed, and non-endospermic (exalbuminous) seeds. 

Solution: Endosperrnic (albuminous) seeds: E.g. Castor, Maize, Poppy Non-endospermic (exalbuminous) seeds: 

Example: Bean, Gram, Pea 

3. Germinated grams are considered highly nutritive. What is the reason for this belief? 

Solution: Germinated grams are considered highly nutritive because the cotyledon of the seed absorbs food from the endosperm, making it nutritive. It is rich in starch and its outermost layer is rich in protein. 

4. Why do we not use the terms maize fruit and maize seed? What do we Say instead? 

Solution: Maize grain is actually a fruit in which the fruit wall and the seed coat are fused together to forma protective layer. Therefore, we do not use the terms maize fruit and maize seed. Instead, we call such fruits as grains. 

1. What are the functions of the following in a seed? 

(a) Seed coat 

(b) Micropyle 

(c) Cotyledons 

(d) Radicle 

(e) Plumule 

Solution :

(a) Seed coat: It protects the delicate inner parts of the seed from injury and the attack of bacteria, fungi and insects. 

(b) Micropyle: During germination, micropyle allows water to enter the seed through its pore. (c) Cotyledons: They contain food for the embryo. 

(d) Radide: It forms the future root. 

(e) Plumule: It forms the future shoot. 

2. Give two differences in each of the following pairs: 

(a) Epigeal germination and hypogeal germination 

(b) Coleorhiza and coleoptile. 

(c) Bean seed and maize grain. 

Solution 

(a) Difference between Epigeal germination and hypogeal ger

mination:

(b) Difference between Coleorhiza and Coleoptile

(c) Difference between Bean seed and maize grain.

Bean Seed: 

i) Two cotyledons

ii) No endosperm

Maize grain:

i) One cotyledons

ii)  Large endosperm

3. Differentiate between germination and Vivipary.

Solution:

4. What is the role played by the hypocotyl in epigeal germination? 

Solution: Germination of a seed which takes place above the ground is called epigeal germination. In epigeal germination, the hypocotyl grows forming a loop above the soil. It then straightens pushing the cotyledons above the ground. 

8. With regard to germination in bean seed, answer the following questions: 

(a) State the function of the ‘Micropyle’. 

(b) Name the part of the seed that grows into the seedling. 

(c) Name the part of the seed that provides nutrition for the growing seedling. 

Solution 

(a) The 'micropyle' serves two important functions: 

(i) Allows absorption of water and makes It available to the embryo for germination. 

(ii) Enables diffusion of respiratory gases for the growing embryo. 

(b) The embryo of the seed grows into the seedling. 

(c) The cotyledons of the seed provide nutrition for the growing seedling or the embryo.