Question

The characteristic features of monocot seeds include- 
• [(A).] Seeds germinate bearing a short axis called Plumule and Radicle. 
• [(B).] Plumule and Radicle are enclosed in a sheath called Coleoptile and Coleorhiza, respectively. 
• [(C).] The radicle grows downward and develops into the root system. 
• [(D).] The cotyledon of the seeds of the monocot crop Sorghum (Jowar) is known as 'Husk'. 
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 
 

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (C) and (D) only.
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Remember the protective sheaths in monocot seeds using this mnemonic:
- Coleoptile protects the Plumule (shoot).
- Coleorhiza protects the Radicle (root).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Monocotyledonous (monocot) plants possess seeds with a single cotyledon, typical of the Poaceae (grass) family, which includes crops like maize, wheat, rice, and sorghum.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the structural characteristics of monocot seeds:
- Statement (A) is correct: During germination, the embryonic axis of the seed grows, producing an apical plumule (which forms the shoot) and a basal radicle (which forms the root).
- Statement (B) is correct: In monocot seeds (especially grasses), the plumule is protected by a protective cellular sheath called the coleoptile.
The radicle is similarly protected by a protective sheath called the coleorhiza.
- Statement (C) is correct: Upon germination, the radicle shows positive geotropism, growing downward into the soil to establish the primary root system.
- Statement (D) is incorrect: The single, shield-shaped cotyledon in monocots (such as Sorghum, maize, or wheat) is called the scutellum.
The scutellum is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the endosperm during germination.
The "husk" is the dry outer covering of the seed, formed by the glumes, lemma, and palea; it is not the cotyledon.
Therefore, statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct, while (D) is incorrect.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct combination is (A), (B) and (C) only, matching Option (A).