Problem 89 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

In which fruit the mesocarp is fibrous? (a) Mango (b) Coconut (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The mesocarp is fibrous in (b) Coconut.

Step 1: Find mesocarp in Mango

The mesocarp of Mango is not fibrous but it is fleshy and sweet as this layer contains most of the fruit's edible part.

Step 2: Find mesocarp in Coconut

The mesocarp of a coconut, on the other hand, is fibrous. This is the husk part of the coconut.

Step 3: Final consideration for Both (a) and (b)

Since only the coconut has a fibrous mesocarp, not both coconut and mango, option (c) can be discarded as the correct answer.

Step 4: Final consideration for None of these

As we have established that the mesocarp in coconut is fibrous, option (d) can also be discarded as the right option.

Key Concepts

Mesocarp

In botanical terms, the mesocarp is an integral part of the fruit's anatomy. It is the middle layer of the pericarp, which is the part of a fruit formed from the wall of the ripened ovary. Pericarps consist of three layers: the epicarp (outer layer), the mesocarp (middle layer), and the endocarp (inner layer).
The mesocarp often contributes significantly to the edible portion of many fruits. For instance, in mangoes, the mesocarp is thick, juicy, and fleshy, making up most of the fruit's delicious edible portion.
In botanical studies, knowing whether the mesocarp is fibrous or fleshy can help identify the type of fruit and understand its evolutionary adaptations and uses.

Fruit Anatomy

Fruit Anatomy explores the complex structure of fruits and their components. Each part of the fruit plays a specific role in protecting and nourishing the seed and aiding in seed dispersal.
Fruit typically consists of the pericarp and seeds. The pericarp further divides into three layers:

• Epicarp: The outermost layer, often thin and protective.
• Mesocarp: The middle layer, which in some fruits is juicy and edible, and in others, fibrous and tough.
• Endocarp: The innermost layer that directly surrounds the seeds. It can be hard, as in the stone of a peach, or soft, as in an apple.

Understanding fruit anatomy helps in the agricultural industry and food science, as it illustrates which parts of the fruit can be used for consumption or other purposes.

Fibrous Structures in Plants

Fibrous structures in plants are a crucial aspect of plant anatomy that offer both structural and protective functions. These fibers consist of long, thick-walled cells that provide strength and support to various plant tissues.
One prominent example is the fibrous mesocarp found in coconuts. This fibrous husk helps protect the inner nut and aids in water flotation, assisting in seed dispersal over large distances.
Fibrous tissues are also significant in various industries. Coconut fibers, known as coir, are used in products such as ropes, mats, and brushes.
Understanding these fibrous structures aids in discerning how plants have adapted to their environments for survival and propagation.