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Question 123 of 782

The maize grain is regarded as a fruit and not a seed because

  • A. it has a coleorhiza
  • B. it has a coleoptile
  • C. of the relatively large endosperm
  • D. there is the remain of a style

Correct Answer: D

Explanation
The correct option is C. of the relatively large endosperm. Detailed Explanation: To understand why maize grain is regarded as a fruit rather than just a seed, we need to delve into the structure and development of maize grains, as well as the definitions of fruits and seeds in botanical terms.
  1. Definitions:
  2. Seed: A seed is a fertilized ovule that contains an embryo, which can develop into a new plant. It typically consists of three main parts: the embryo, the endosperm, and the seed coat.
  3. Fruit: A fruit is the mature ovary of a flower, usually containing seeds. Fruits develop from the fertilized ovary after flowering and serve to protect the seeds and aid in their dispersal.
  4. Structure of Maize Grain:
  5. The maize grain, also known as a kernel, is a type of fruit called a caryopsis. In a caryopsis, the seed coat is fused with the ovary wall, making it difficult to separate the seed from the fruit.
  6. The kernel consists of three main parts: the pericarp (the outer layer), the endosperm (the starchy interior), and the embryo (the small part that can develop into a new plant).
  7. Role of the Endosperm:
  8. The endosperm is a significant part of the maize grain, and it is relatively large compared to the embryo. This large endosperm serves as a food reserve for the developing embryo, providing the necessary nutrients for germination and early growth.
  9. The presence of a large endosperm is a characteristic feature of many grains and is one reason why maize is classified as a fruit. The endosperm's size and role in nourishing the embryo highlight the grain's function as a fruit that supports seed development.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
  • A. It has a coleorhiza:
  • The coleorhiza is a protective sheath covering the radicle (the embryonic root) of the seed. While maize does have a coleorhiza, this structure is not a defining characteristic that distinguishes maize as a fruit. It is more related to the seed's development and germination process.
  • B. It has a coleoptile:
  • The coleoptile is a protective sheath that covers the emerging shoot in monocots like maize. Similar to the coleorhiza, the presence of a coleoptile does not define maize as a fruit. It is involved in the early growth of the plant but does not contribute to the classification of the grain.
  • D. There is the remain of a style:
  • The style is part of the flower's reproductive structure, connecting the ovary to the stigma. While the style may be present in some fruits, its presence or absence does not determine whether maize is classified as a fruit. The classification is more accurately based on the structure and function of the grain, particularly the endosperm.
Summary:
  • Maize grain is classified as a fruit (specifically a caryopsis) due to its structure, where the seed coat is fused with the ovary wall.
  • The relatively large endosperm serves as a crucial food reserve for the developing embryo, emphasizing its role as a fruit.
  • The coleorhiza and coleoptile are structures related to seed development but do not define maize as a fruit.
  • The presence of a style is not a determining factor in the classification of maize grain.
Revision Summary:
  • Maize grain is a caryopsis, a type of fruit.
  • The large endosperm is essential for nourishing the embryo, supporting its classification as a fruit.
  • Structures like coleorhiza and coleoptile are related to seed development but do not define maize as a fruit.
  • The style's presence is not relevant to the classification of maize grain.
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