Question

Wheat grain is
a. Nut
b. Achene
c. Caryopsis
d. Berry

Answer 1

Hint: Wheat is considered grass and is widely cultivated for its seed, a cereal grain which is a worldwide staple food. Many species of wheat together make the genus Triticum. The major grown is common wheat (T. aestivum).

Complete answer:
You already know, A nut is a fruit made up of an inedible hard shell and a seed, which is generally considered edible. Generally speaking, a major variety of dried seeds are called nuts. But in the context of botany "nut" implies that the shell does not open to release the seed.

Let’s discuss Achene, which is a small and dry one seeded fruit which does not open to release the seed. Whereas, A berry is pulpy and small and often edible fruit. Generally, berries have characteristics as they are juicy, brightly coloured, sweet, rounded, sour or tart. Also, berries don’t have a stone or pit, but many pips or seeds may be present.

Remember, a caryopsis is a kind of simple dry fruit which is unicarpellate and indehiscent. It resembles an achene but, exception is in a caryopsis, the pericarp is fused with the thin seed coat. The caryopsis is considered as a grain. Also, it is the typical fruit of the family Poaceae, (includes wheat, rice and corn). The term grain is also often used more generally as synonymous with cereal. You should know, that when the seed and fruit wall are intimately combined or fused, and make a single unit and the caryopsis (grain) is a dry fruit then less concern is given to technically separating the terms seed and fruit in these plant structures. Wheat grain is caryopsis.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
It’s interesting to know that enriched wheat flour can be a good source of niacin, calcium, iron, thiamine, and vitamin B6 etc. Whereas, whole wheat is a decent source of several vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, copper, selenium, manganese, and folate.

Note: Remember, Watermelons are berries and so are cucumbers, squash, cantaloupes, and pumpkins. Scientifically referred pepos are fruits which fall into a specific category of berry, the one with a tough rind with multiple flat seeds and pulpy flesh.