Class 12th Biology 2015 Set3 Delhi Board Paper Solution

Question 12

Describe the development of endosperm after double fertilisation in an angiosperm. Why does endosperm development preceeds that of zygote ?

Answer

Development of Endosperm

The primary endosperm nucleus repeatedly divides to give rise to free nuclei. This stage of development is called free nuclear endosperm. Cell wall formation occurs next, resulting in a cellular endosperm. The endosperm may either be fully consumed by the growing embryo (as in pea and beans) or retained in the mature seed (as in coconut and castor).

The endosperm develops before the embryo because the cells of the endosperm provide nutrition to the developing embryo.