Question

Which is an albuminous seed?
A. Gram
B. Castor
C. Maize
D. Both B and C

Answer 1

Hint: Albuminous seeds are those seeds which have swollen and thick endosperm which is not completely consumed during embryo development.

Complete Answer:
Seeds are very important for sexula reproduction in plants. There are two types of seeds on the basis of the number of cotyledons, they are,
(I) Monocot seeds - These seeds have only one cotyledon and the endosperm is not consumed during the development of the seed except for in orchids.
(II) Dicot seeds - These seeds have two cotyledons and the endosperm is consumed during the development of the seed.

Option A: Gram seed is an example of dicot seed and it has endosperm present in it. But the endosperm is consumed in the course of development, thus it is an non-albuminous seed. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option B: Castor is an example of monocot seed and the endosperm is present even after the development of embryo.

Option C: Maize, as castor is an example of monocot seed and the endosperm is present even after the development of the embryo.

Thus, the correct option is D) Both B and C.

Note: Please note that, the easiest way of finding the correct answer for this question is by categorising the given options as dicots and monocots. As albuminous seeds are a characteristic feature of most monocot seeds, the seeds, the options which are an example of monocot seeds, will be your correct answer.