Seed Dormancy and Storage in Crops — NEET Biology

Correct answer: B — S1, S3 and S4 are correct

Let's evaluate each statement based on NCERT text: S1: In non-albuminous seeds, the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo. This statement is correct. NCERT states, "Non-albuminous seeds have no residual endosperm as it is completely consumed during embryo development (e.g., pea, groundnut)." S2: Monocotyledonous seeds, such as maize and wheat, typically have fleshy, reserve-rich cotyledons. This statement is incorrect. Maize and wheat are albuminous seeds where the endosperm stores food. Their single cotyledon (scutellum) is thin and primarily functions in nutrient absorption, not large-scale storage. Fleshy, reserve-rich cotyledons are characteristic of non-albuminous dicot seeds. S3: Pea and groundnut are examples of seeds where cotyledons act as the primary food storage. This statement is correct. Pea and groundnut are non-albuminous dicot seeds where the cotyledons are thick and swollen due to stored food reserves. S4: Perisperm refers to the remnants of nucellus that persist in some mature seeds. This statement is correct. NCERT mentions, "Occasionally, in some seeds such as black pepper and beet, remnants of nucellus are also persistent. This residual, persistent nucellus is the perisperm." S5: In albuminous seeds like castor, the cotyledons are thick and swollen due to stored food. This statement is incorrect. Castor is an albuminous seed where the endosperm is the primary food storage tissue. The cotyledons in such seeds are generally thin and absorb nutrients from the endosperm for the embryo. Therefore, statements S1, S3, and S4 are correct. Option A is incorrect because S2 is incorrect. Option B is correct as S1, S3, and S4 are correct. Option C is incorrect because S2 and S5 are incorrect. Option D is incorrect because S5 is incorrect. This question tests the understanding of seed classification (albuminous/non-albuminous) and the role of different seed parts in food storage.