Question

Endosperm of Areca/betel nut is
A. Tetraploid
B. Soft
C. Smooth
D. Ruminate

Answer 1

Hint: Endosperm of betel nut is formed when the seed coat intrudes inward via meristematic growth. It is the very common condition found in the palms. It is characterized by its unevenness and irregular surface.

Complete Answer:
- Endosperm is the part of a seed which acts as a food reserve for the developing plant embryo. It is usually containing starch with protein and other nutrients.
- Endosperm of betel nut is a Ruminate type which is nothing but a condition in which the
- Endosperm is dissected by in-growths of the seed coat. It is characterized by its uneven and irregular surface that is most commonly seen in palms (Arecaceae)

The correct option is D i.e. Ruminate.

Additional information: Endosperm is the result of double fertilization which acts as a storage tissue and provides nutrients to the developing embryo for their proper development.
There are 3 types of Endosperm development:
- Nuclear endosperm formation: found in coconut water and commonly referred as liquid endosperm
- Cellular endosperm formation: found in coconut meat.
- Helobial endosperm formation: found in monocot plants.

Note: Areca nut is not a true nut but rather the seed of the fruit is categorized as a berry. It is commercially available in cured, dried and fresh forms and used as a ingredient in tobacco. The major alkaloid in betel nut is Arecoline which is used medicinally as muscle relaxant, also to treat schizophrenia and depression. It also has a property to kill parasitic worms and thus it is used as an anthelmintic agent too. In spite of its medicinal use it is carcinogenic to the humans and cause cancer.