Question

Seed coat is not thin, but membranous in
A. Maize
B. Coconut
C. Groundnut
D. Gram

Answer 1

Hint: Seed coat is the outer protective covering of seeds that resist deterioration of the quality of seeds. It is a thin but strong covering present externally. The seed coat emerges from the maternal tissue that arises from the integument and ovule. In some seeds like in peanuts, the seeds are fragile. On the other hand, seeds belonging to drupe fruit have a membranous seed coat.

Complete answer: The seed coat is the protective covering of the seeds present externally to the seed body. A seed is the potential embryological plant that is enclosed in the seed coat. The seeds are the result of the reproduction process in the plants. The seed coat develops from the two integuments or it is formed by outer layers of ovule cells. The seed coats are modified distinctly in different species of plants. In drupes that are fleshy fruits, the seed coat is usually membranous. The coconut fruit is indehiscent. It has an outer fleshy part called exocarp or skin that is surrounded by mesocarp or flesh from inside. The mesocarp further encloses a shell of hardened endocarp having a seed inside it. The fruit develops from a single carpel and flowers having superior ovaries. The coconut is a drupe or a fleshy fruit having hard lignified stone derived from the wall of the ovary. The seed coat is thus not thin, but membranous and tough.

Let us understand the seed structure and morphology of other given plant species.
-In maize plants, the leafy stalk produces pollen inflorescences and ovuliferous inflorescences that are known as ears. These ears change into kernels or seeds. The seed coat is thin consisting of two outer layers of the kernel.
-In the groundnut, the seeds from the edible parts. These seeds are termed nuts. They have very thin paper-like seed coats.
-In grams also the seed forms the edible part. They are covered by a hard but thin seed coat.
Therefore, the right answer is coconut, option B.

Note: The seed coat functions to protect the enclosed embryo so that it can flourish on the arrival of suitable conditions. Also, the seed coat determines the germination of the seeds. They slow down water absorption and discourage seeds from starting growing until spring or suitable conditions arrive. The seed coat also protects the seed from being eaten by insects.