Question

Given below are two statements about endosperms in angiosperms.
Statement (I): Coconut has a nuclear type of endosperm with a multicellular outer part and a free nuclear vacuolated center.
Statement (II): In the helobial type of endosperm, the micropylar cell shows free nuclear division whereas the chalazal cell shows wall formation after free nuclear divisions.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Coconut shows nuclear endosperm, but in helobial endosperm the micropylar chamber, not the chalazal one, divides freely.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Endosperm may be nuclear, cellular or helobial, depending on how the primary endosperm nucleus divides.

Step 2: Check Statement I
Coconut has nuclear endosperm. The outer part becomes cellular as the white kernel, and the centre stays free-nuclear and vacuolated as coconut water. Statement I is correct.

Step 3: Check Statement II
In helobial endosperm, the first division forms a large micropylar and a small chalazal chamber. The micropylar chamber shows free nuclear division followed by wall formation, while the chalazal chamber stays free-nuclear or undivided. Statement II reverses this, so it is incorrect.

Final Answer:
Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.}} \]