Question

Aleurone grains are rich in
(a) Fat
(b) Protein
(c) Carbohydrates
(d)Auxins

Answer 1

Hint: Aleurone grains are rich in those nutrients which are essential for building muscle mass. They are commonly found in animal products but also in nuts and legumes such as gram, peas.etc.

Correct step by step answer:
Aleurone grains are rich in protein. These grains or protein food are found around the peripheral part of the endosperms of monocots. These are very much important physiologically because they secrete or accumulate the hydrolyzing enzyme which helps in the digestion of reserved food material during seed germination. It helps in embryo protection, utilization of stored food, and storage of food.
- Aleurone is taken from the Greek word “aleuron” which means flour. These proteins are present in the protein granules of maturing seeds and tubers.
- Aleurone proteins are having two different morphological features; homogeneous and heterogeneous.
- The homogenous aleurone contains similar protein bodies for e.g. Phaseolus vulgaris whereas the heterogeneous aleurone contains granules of different shapes and types of proteins covered with a membrane for e.g. Ricinus communis.
- The aleurone forms one of the two major cell types of the endosperm,i.e., the aleurone layer. It is the outermost layer of the endosperm also known as the peripheral endosperm, followed by the inner starchy endosperm.
- The plant embryo produces the hormone gibberellin during seed germination which triggers the aleurone cells to release α- amylase for the hydrolysis of starch, and proteases for the hydrolysis of stored proteins into the endosperm.
So, the correct answer is, ’(b) Protein’.

Note:
- Aleurone grains are found in endosperms of monocots, are rich in proteins especially hydrolytic enzymes which help in the growth and development of the seed.
- It helps in embryo protection, utilization of stored food, and storage of food.
- The cells of the aleurone layer remain alive at maturity, lying between the pericarp and the hyaline layer of the endosperm.