Question

A fruit is

(A) a mature ovary.

(B) a mature ovule.

(C) a seed plus its integuments.

(D) an enlarged embryo sac.

Short answer

(A) The option “a mature ovary” is true.

(B) The option “a mature ovule” is false.

(C) The option “a seed plus its integuments” is false.

(D) The option “an enlarged embryo sac” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Fruits

The fruit has a central hard part called the seed. The seed is further surrounded by epicarp, pericarp, and endocarp. The appearance of these layers occurs differently in varied categories of fruits.

Basically, fruit can be a real fruit having a pericarp as the outermost layer or a false fruit not having a pericarp as the outermost layer.

Explanation of option (A)’

The ovaries mature to form fruits. The seeds arise from the matured fertilized ovules. Upon fertilization, the zygote differentiates and forms an embryo in the ovule. The ovary, hence, matures to become a fleshy or dry fruit that contains one or more seeds.

Thus, the ovaries mature to form fruits.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation of option (B)

The ovule is the site of sexual reproduction. A mature ovule comprises a food source for the developing embryo and integuments, which further forms seed instead of fruit.

Thus, the ovule forms seed and not fruit upon maturation.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (C)

A seed along its integuments are the parts of a plant that arise post-fertilization. The ovary is generally fleshy and mature to become fruits instead of other parts.

Thus, upon maturation, the seeds and integuments do not form fruit.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (D)

The plant ovule contains one or two layers of the integument that surrounds the nucellus. These integuments mature to become tough coverings around the seed called seed coats.

Thus, the integuments do not form fruit.

Therefore, the given option is false.