Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): On a mature seed, the hilum is seen as a distinct scar. Reason (R): It represents the point of attachment where the body of the developing ovule was fused with the funicle. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is correct because the hilum is a scar on the seed coat through which the developing seeds were attached to the fruit. Reason (R) is also correct and explains the assertion. In the ovule, the hilum is the junction between the ovule body and the funicle (stalk). After fertilization, as the ovule matures into a seed, this point of attachment remains as a distinct scar on the seed coat. Therefore, both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion. Answer: Both Asse