Question

The edible part in the fruit of the pomegranate is
(a)Juicy epicarp
(b)Juicy testa
(c)Pulpy mesocarp
(d)Placental hair

Answer 1

Hint: This is present in higher plant seeds and is the protective outer covering of a seed (seed coat), it protects the embryo against adverse environmental conditions.

Complete answer:

The edible part is the fruit of the pomegranate is the juicy testa. The outer hard layer of pomegranate is made up of exocarp and partially mesocarp, which also forms septa in the fruit. The seeds provide the growing to the plants by remaining dormant for many days and germinate in a suitable environmental condition. The seeds store the nutrients for the germination process and the seed coat protects the embryo. The seeds have modified fleshy testa (seed coat) which can be eaten and the endocarp covers the seeds.
Fruits generally have three parts and all three are known as the pericarp. They are the exocarp, the mesocarp, and the endocarp.
Epicarp - from Greek and it means on or upon fruit is the outermost layer of the pericarp (or fruit). It is also known as exocarp especially in citrus, the flavedo.
Mesocarp- usually contains pulp rich in fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins and usually is the edible part of the fruit.
Endocarp- the inner part of the fruit
Fruits like pear and apple are false fruits as the thalamus is edible for eating. Fruits like guava and grapes are true fruits as the edible part is pericarp.

So, the correct answer is 'Juicy testa'.

Note: The seed or spore begins to grow and put out shoots after a period of dormancy and this process is called germination. The seed needs proper environmental conditions like water, oxygen, and temperatures in order to germinate.