Question

The coconut water from tender coconut represents
(a)Endocarp
(b)Fleshy mesocarp
(c)Free nuclear proembryo
(d)Free nuclear endosperm

Answer 1

Hint: It divides by the repeated mitotic free nuclear divisions without the formation of walls and results in the formation of a large number of free nuclei in the central cell of the embryo sac.

Complete answer:
In coconut, the coconut water is the free-nuclear endosperm and the kernel surrounding it is the cellular endosperm. The endosperm is a tissue that is present inside a seed and surrounds the embryo to provide nutrients, starch to the growing plants. It also contains the proteins and other oils that are essential for development. As a result of the vegetative fertilization, the primary endosperm nucleus develops into the endosperm. The development of the endosperm can be in 3 different types and one such type is the free nuclear division.
The primary endosperm nucleus (PEN) will first undergo several free nuclear divisions without the formation of a wall to form a large number of free nuclei (called the free nuclear endosperm). When the fruit becomes nearly 50 mm long, the embryo sac will get filled with a clear fluid that floats and has numerous nuclei of different sizes. Then, when the fruit reaches about 100 mm long, free nuclei and several cells each enclosing a different number of nuclei will form. Gradually, these cells and free nuclei will start to settle at the periphery of the cavity, and different layers of cellular endosperm will start to appear. This will form the coconut meat. The cellular endosperm quantity will increase further by the cell divisions.
Since the coconut water is an endosperm, it is rich in various nutrients, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

So, the correct answer is ‘Free nuclear endosperm’.

Note: Coconut water is a great source of various nutrients, has antioxidant properties, prevents kidney stone, is beneficial against diabetes, enhances the heart health, decreases blood pressure and is a very good source of hydration. Drinking coconut water every day has various health benefits.