Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on the biochemical principles of the Tetrazolium (TZ) test.
This is a standard quick biochemical test used to determine seed viability, especially when seed dormancy makes traditional germination tests slow or impractical.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the assertion and reason:
Assertion (A): "2, 3, 5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) is used for determining the seed viability"
This statement is correct.
The Tetrazolium test is a widely accepted international standard for quickly assessing seed viability.
Seeds are imbibed with water, cut to expose the embryo, and soaked in a colorless solution of 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC).
Reason (R): "Living tissue changes the TTC to an insoluble red compound formazan"
This statement is correct.
In living, respiring plant cells, active dehydrogenase enzymes transfer hydrogen ions to the absorbed TTC molecule.
This chemical reduction reaction converts the soluble, colorless TTC into an insoluble, stable red compound called triphenyl formazan.
This stains the living parts of the embryo bright red, while dead tissues (which lack active respiration and enzymes) remain uncolored.
This clear color difference is the biological mechanism that makes the test work.
Thus, (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
This corresponds to Option (A).