Question

Select the statements that are true for a typical monocotyledonous embryo from the given options.
1. Scutellum is present towards the centre of the embryonal axis.
2. Embryonal axis of the lower end has radicle and root cap covered by coleoptile.
3. The portion of embryonal axis above the level of attachment of scutellum is epicotyl.
4. Shoot apex and few leaf primordia of embryo are enclosed in a hollow foliar structure.
Choose the correct answer from the following :

• A. \( \text{(i) and (ii)} \)
• B. \( \text{(ii) and (iii)} \)
• C. \( \text{(iii) and (iv)} \)
• D. \( \text{(i) and (iv)} \)

Hint:

The key distinguishing features of a monocot embryo: a single cotyledon (scutellum), coleoptile covering the shoot apex, and coleorhiza covering the radicle.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let's analyze each statement for a typical monocotyledonous embryo:
(A) Scutellum is present towards the centre of the embryonal axis. This statement is incorrect. The scutellum is the cotyledon in monocots and it is lateral to the embryonal axis.
(B) Embryonal axis of the lower end has radicle and root cap covered by coleoptile. This statement is incorrect. In monocots, the radicle and root cap are covered by the coleorhiza, not coleoptile. Coleoptile covers the shoot apex and leaf primordia.
(C) The portion of embryonal axis above the level of attachment of scutellum is epicotyl. This statement is correct. The epicotyl is the part of the embryonal axis above the cotyledon(s). In monocots, it's above the scutellum.
(D) Shoot apex and few leaf primordia of embryo are enclosed in a hollow foliar structure. This statement is correct. The shoot apex and leaf primordia in a monocot embryo are enclosed within a protective sheath called the coleoptile. Therefore, statements (iii) and (iv) are true for a typical monocotyledonous embryo.