NEETBotanySexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
What variation exists in the number of free nuclei before cellularization occurs?
Options
- AIt remains constant across all seeds
- BIt is significantly variable
- CIt is the same as in cellular endosperm
- DIt depends on the size of the seed
Correct answer
B. It is significantly variable
Step-by-step solution
Endosperm development precedes embryo development. Why? The primary endosperm cell divides repeatedly and forms a triploid endosperm tissue. The cells of this tissue are filled with reserve food materials and are used for the nutrition of the developing embryo. In the most common type of endosperm development, the PEN undergoes successive nuclear divisions to give rise to free nuclei. This stage of endosperm development is called free-nuclear endosperm. Subsequently cell wall formation occurs and the endosperm beco