Question

Upon fertilization, what structure develops from carpel?
a. Testa
b. Tegmen
c. Pericarp
d. Perisperm

Answer 1

Hint: The process of male and female gamete fusion in plants is called fertilization. The ovum or egg is the female gamete and the pollen tube produced from the pollen grain is the male gamete. The ovule will develop into a seed after the process of fertilization. The leaf-like structure which bears seed and constitutes the innermost whorl of the flower is called carpel.

Complete answer:
Once the process of fertilization occurs the ovule will convert into a seed. The structure which develops from the carpel of the plant is the pericarp. The fleshy or dry fruit part of the wall of the ovary is called the pericarp. The pericarp layer of seed also helps in dispersal and provides nutrition.

There is 3 distinct layer of pericarp:
- Epicarp: Outermost layer of the pericarp
- Mesocarp: Pericarp middle layer
- Endocarp: The layer that surrounds the ovary or seeds is the inner endocarp layer

> The outer seed covering is called testa. It will help to protect the embryo against adverse environmental conditions in higher plants. The main function of testa is assumed to control the germination through dormancy. The testa seed coat is usually hard and rigid. It will help in seed germination during the suitable environmental condition.

> The covering which is present under testa is called Tegmen. It provides protection to the seed directly. The main function is to give protection to the hindwings of the seed when folded. The inner integument part of the ovule develops into Tegmen of seed.

> The nutritive tissue layer that derives from Nucellus is called perisperm. In angiosperms, the seed embryo is surrounded by the perisperm. It does not play any function for seed and dry as well.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: There are different parts of the flowering plant. The seed, ovule, and ovary are the major parts. Every part has its own subparts. In some plants, the seed is the only fruit (like grapes) while others develop a fleshy fruit from seed (like apple, oranges, etc.). Different layers of seed and ovule perform a different function. The parts which are present during growth will be developed into other parts for making a fruit.