Problem 179 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Fruit formation in angiosperm takes place by (a) Development of ovule after fertilization (b) Development of ovary after fertilization (c) Axillary bud (d) Terminal bud

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (b) Development of ovary after fertilization.

Step 1: Understanding the process of fruit formation in angiosperms

In angiosperms, which are flowering plants, fruit formation is a process that begins after successful fertilization of the ovule(s) within the ovary. This fertilization process forms a zygote and the ovule then starts to develop into seeds.

Step 2: Choose the correct answer

Looking at each of the options, option (a) refers to development of ovule after fertilization which results in formation of seed and not fruit. Axillary bud (option c) and terminal bud (option d) are parts of the plant related to new shoot formation and not fruit development. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b) - development of ovary after fertilization. This is because after fertilization, the ovary of the plant gets developed into fruit.

Key Concepts

Fertilization in Plants

Fertilization is a pivotal moment in the life cycle of flowering plants, known as angiosperms. This crucial process involves the union of male and female gametes, which are the sperm and egg cells respectively. The sperm is transferred from pollen grains, which land on a flower's stigma, to the ovary, through a tube that grows after pollination. Inside the ovary, each sperm cell fuses with an egg cell to form a zygote. The process of fertilization results in the formation of a diploid zygote, which initiates the development of a seed.

Understanding the complexity of plant fertilization can be beneficial to students studying botany or horticulture, and knowledge of this process can have practical applications in agricultural practices, such as in the cultivation of crops and breeding of new plant varieties.

• The pollen must be compatible with the stigma for fertilization to commence.
• Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can affect the success of fertilization.

Ovary Development

Ovary development in angiosperms is a process that follows successful fertilization. The ovary, which houses the ovules, undergoes significant changes. The walls of the ovary often thicken, and tissues differentiate to form the protective structure we recognise as fruit.

Throughout the stages of fruit development, the ovary serves several functions essential to the plants reproductive strategy:

• It shelters the developing seeds from environmental stress.
• It aids in the dispersal of seeds once the fruit is mature and falls off the plant or is carried away by animals.

This development is an example of how plants have adapted to ensure the success of their offspring. The transition from ovary to fruit is a topic that intersects botany, agriculture, and environmental science, emphasizing the adaptability of plant species to their habitats.

Seed Development

Seed development is the final stage in the reproductive process of angiosperms, starting after fertilization. Once the zygote forms, it begins to divide and eventually becomes an embryo encased within the seed. Surrounding the embryo is the endosperm, a tissue that provides nourishment, and the protective seed coat develops from the outer layers of the ovule.

The journey from zygote to fully mature seed involves several key steps:

• Cell division and differentiation to form the basic structures of the seed.
• Accumulation of nutrients within the endosperm or cotyledons in dicots.
• Drying and hardening of the seed coat.

Seed development is not only fascinating from a biological perspective but also critical for agriculture. Understanding the intricacies of this process can help in producing healthier, more resilient crops, which is essential for food security.