Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The physical structure of starch granules in cereal endosperms is determined by their cellular packing density and the surrounding protein matrix.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Corneous (hard/glassy) endosperm: The starch granules are extremely tightly packed.
During grain development and drying, the strong, continuous protein matrix exerts pressure, compressing the starch granules against each other and forcing them to take on a polygonal or polyhedral shape with sharp facets.
- Floury (soft) endosperm: The starch granules are loosely packed with abundant air spaces, allowing them to retain their natural, relaxed spherical or round shape.
Step 3: Final Answer:
In the corneous endosperm, starch granules are polyhedral, which corresponds to option (A).