Question

What is the cotyledon of maize embryo called as?
A. Aleurone layer
B. Scutellum
C. Plumule
D. Radicle

Answer 1

Hint: Cotyledons are formed within the seed along with the endosperm and are the first part of a plant to emerge from the seed. The major function of the cotyledons is that they supply nutrition to the plant embryo and help it to germinate. If only a single cotyledon is present then the plant is monocot and if two cotyledons are present then the plants will be dicot The first set of two leaves or a single leaf that sprouts from soaked beans or grams are perfect examples for cotyledons.

Complete answer:
Option A: Aleurone layer- Aleurone layer is protein rich coat formed by the outermost layer of endospermic cells in monocot seeds and is not the cotyledon of maize. As the name suggests the main function of this layer is to nourish the embryo enclosed in the seed.
Option A is not correct.
Option B: Scutellum – Scutellum as the name suggests acts as a shield or thin papery cotyledon in monocots. Its sole function is to absorb nutrients from the endosperm and nourish the growing embryo during the process of germination.
Option B is correct.
Option C: Plumule –Plumule is the part of a plant that arises from coleoptiles. It later developed into the shoot system. It does not act as cotyledons in maize.
Option C is not correct.
Option D: Radicle— Radicle is the part of the plant developed from the coleorhiza. It later developed into the shoot system. It does not act as cotyledons in maize.
Option D is not correct.

Hence, Option B is the correct answer.

Note:
The word scutellum means ‘A shield like a bony plate or scale’. Usually in monocots only a single cotyledon is present. So in order to make sure that enough nutrients and protection are provided to the growing embryo an additional scutellum is present. The main function of scutellum is nourishment and protection of the emerging embryo.