Question

Cell organelle extracted from endosperm of germinating castor beans are (a) glyoxysomes (b) peroxisomes (c) mitochondria (d) none of these.

Short answer

The correct cell organelle extracted from endosperm of germinating castor beans is (a) glyoxysomes.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the question

The exercise is asking to identify the cell organelle extracted from endosperm of germinating castor beans.

Recall the function of endosperm

The endosperm of germinating seeds, such as the castor bean, is responsible for storing and converting fats to sugars to provide energy for the growing embryo.

Identify the correct organelle

The organelle involved in the conversion of fats to sugars in the endosperm of germinating seeds is known as the glyoxysome.

Key concepts

Glyoxysomes in Plant Cells

Glyoxysomes are specialized cell organelles that play a critical role in the metabolism of certain plants, particularly during seed germination. These organelles are responsible for the process called glyoxylate cycle, which enables plants to convert stored fatty acids into carbohydrates. This process is crucial for seedlings that have not yet begun photosynthesis and therefore require an alternative energy source to grow.

In germinating castor bean seeds, the presence of glyoxysomes is significant. They help break down the lipids stored in the endosperm, the tissue that feeds the developing plant embryo. As fats are broken down to sugars, the embryo uses this energy to break through the seed's outer layer and start its growth into a mature plant. Understanding the function of glyoxysomes is important for studies on plant development and bioenergy production.

Endosperm: The Seed's Nutritional Hub

The endosperm is a tissue found within the seeds of most flowering plants. It surrounds the embryo and provides essential nutrients for its growth and development. The endosperm is formed during the process of double fertilization and is designed to sustain the embryo until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis.

In the case of castor beans and many other seeds, the endosperm stores a large amount of lipids, which serve as a rich energy reservoir. During germination, the embryo utilizes enzymes from organelles like glyoxysomes to metabolize these fats, converting them into a usable form of energy — sugar. Thus, the endosperm acts as a 'pantry' that houses nutrients until the plant is self-sufficient. Conveying the importance of the endosperm in plant biology is a crucial component of biology education, notably in topics related to botany and plant physiology.

Biology Education: Cell Organelle Recognition

Biology education aims to impart comprehensive knowledge about living organisms and their interactions with the environment. A fundamental aspect of this education involves understanding cell structure and function, which includes the identification of cell organelles and comprehension of their roles. A student learning about cell organelles, such as glyoxysomes, gains insights into how life is sustained at the microscopic level.

Exercises like identifying organelles extracted from a germinating seed's endosperm help to reinforce the practical application of theoretical knowledge, which is an effective teaching strategy in biology education. By integrating hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises, educators can enhance students' grasp of complex biological concepts, facilitating deeper learning and retention. Breaking down these concepts into clear, digestible steps, as seen in textbook solutions, ensures that learners of all levels can engage with and understand fundamental biological processes.