The maize grain is regarded as a fruit and not a seed because
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Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation:
In the case of maize (and other grains), the testa (seed coat) and the pericarp (fruit wall) fuse together after fertilization, making the grain both a seed and a fruit. This fusion distinguishes it from typical seeds where the seed coat remains separate from the fruit wall.
Here’s a breakdown of the other options:
A. It is covered by a sheath of leaves – Maize grains are not distinguished from seeds by the presence of a sheath of leaves; this is more about the plant’s structure.
C. It has both endosperm and cotyledon – Maize is a monocot, so it has an endosperm, but it only has one cotyledon (not two). This is typical for monocots but doesn't define it as a fruit.
D. It has coleorhiza and coleoptile – These are structures in monocots (including maize) that protect the embryonic root and shoot, but they do not make maize a fruit.
E. The pericarp and seed coat are separated – In maize, the pericarp and seed coat are fused, so this statement is incorrect for maize.
In the case of maize (and other grains), the testa (seed coat) and the pericarp (fruit wall) fuse together after fertilization, making the grain both a seed and a fruit. This fusion distinguishes it from typical seeds where the seed coat remains separate from the fruit wall.
Here’s a breakdown of the other options:
A. It is covered by a sheath of leaves – Maize grains are not distinguished from seeds by the presence of a sheath of leaves; this is more about the plant’s structure.
C. It has both endosperm and cotyledon – Maize is a monocot, so it has an endosperm, but it only has one cotyledon (not two). This is typical for monocots but doesn't define it as a fruit.
D. It has coleorhiza and coleoptile – These are structures in monocots (including maize) that protect the embryonic root and shoot, but they do not make maize a fruit.
E. The pericarp and seed coat are separated – In maize, the pericarp and seed coat are fused, so this statement is incorrect for maize.