In the developing coconut (Cocos nucifera), what do the clear liquid coconut water and the surrounding white fleshy kernel represent botanically?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Free-nuclear endosperm and cellular endosperm, respectively
- Step 1: In coconut seed development, the Primary Endosperm Nucleus undergoes successive free-nuclear mitotic divisions without cytokinesis.
- Step 2: This generates thousands of free nuclei suspended in a watery sap, which constitutes the liquid coconut water of tender coconut (free-nuclear endosperm).
- Step 3: Subsequently, cytokinesis (cell wall formation) commences from the periphery inward, depositing the solid white edible kernel (cellular endosperm).
Answer
Free-nuclear endosperm and cellular endosperm, respectively
Why not the others: 'Cellular endosperm and liquid endosperm, respectively' reverses the correct botanical identity of the two layers; 'Degenerated nucellar sap...' confuses endosperm with nucellar perisperm; 'Expanded diploid zygote...' confuses endosperm with the microscopic embryo.
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