In a germinating seed, the roots develop from:
- Radicle
- Plumule
- Tegmen
- Hilum
Answer
Radicle
Reason — In germinating seed, the radicle grows downward and develops the root.
In a germinating seed , the shoot develops from
- Radicle
- Plumule
- Tegmen
- Hilum
Answer
Plumule
Reason — In a germinating seed, the plumule grows upward and develops into the shoot.
Which one of the following is a monocotyledonous seed ?
- Bean
- Pea
- Maize
- Gram
Answer
Maize
Reason — Maize is a monocotyledonous seed while others are dicotyledonous seed.
If the cotyledons are pushed above the soil, then such type of germination is called:
- Epigeal
- Hypogeal
- Perigeal
- Progeal
Answer
Epigeal
Reason — In epigeal germination the cotyledons and the plumule comes out from the soil.
If the cotyledons remain under the soil, then such type of germination is called:
- Epigeal
- Hypogeal
- Perigeal
- Progeal
Answer
Hypogeal
Reason — In hypogeal germination only plumule comes out of the soil to form leaves.
Pollen is produced in the :
- Filament
- Style
- Pistil
- Anther
Answer
Anther
Reason — Anther is the part of the stamen where pollen is produced.
Reproductive whorls of a flower are:
- Stamens and Carpels
- Sepals and Petals
- Sepals and Stamens
- Petals and Carpels
Answer
Stamen and Carpels
Reason — Stamen is a male reproductive part and Carpel is female reproductive part of the flower.
Which one of the following is a false fruit?
- Tomato
- Apple
- Potato
- Pea
Answer
Apple
Reason — In apple, the main fleshy part of the fruit is formed from the thalamus, not from ovary, so it is known as false fruit.
In a seed, food is a generally stored in:
- Radicle
- Plumule
- Fruit
- Cotyledons or Endosperms
Answer
Cotyledons or Endosperm
Reason — Cotyledons or Endosperms stores nutrients which are required by the development of embryo during seedlings.
The floral stalk is technically termed as :
- Petiole
- Pedicel
- Peduncle
- Thalamus
Answer
Pedicel
Reason — The floral stalk is technically termed as Pedicel.
Which of the following is the fleshy part of a mango ?
- Pericarp
- Endocarp
- Epicarp
- Mesocarp
Answer
Mesocarp
Reason — In the case of mango, the mesocarp are pulpy.
The food material stored in a maize grain is :
- Protein
- Fat
- Starch
- Cellulose
Answer
Starch
Reason — The upper larger part of the maize grain, called the endosperm stores food in the form of starch.
Gynoecium is made up of :
- Carpels
- Pistils
- Stamens
- Both (1) and (2)
Answer
Both (1) and (2)
Reason — Gynoecium is made up of the carpel or the pistil.
Which part of the flower attracts insects for pollination ?
- Calyx
- Corolla
- Stamens
- Stigma
Answer
Corolla
Reason — Corolla is made up of structures called petals. The petals make the flower attractive and hence attract insects for pollination.
Which of the following is not a necessary condition for the germination of seeds ?
- Air
- Water
- Soil
- Warmth
Answer
Soil
Reason — Water, air, and favourable temperature are the three necessary conditions for the germination of a seed.
Match the terms given in column A with those of column B.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| (a) Radicle | (i) Shoot |
| (b) Plumule | (ii) Store food material |
| (c) Cotyledon | (iii) Root |
| (d) Testa | (iv) Absorb water needed for germination |
| (e) Micropyle | (v) Protection of seed |
Answer
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| (a) Radicle | (iii) Root |
| (b) Plumule | (i) Shoot |
| (c) Cotyledon | (ii) Store food material |
| (d) Testa | (v) Protection of seed |
| (e) Micropyle | (iv) Absorb water needed for germination |
Name the following:
- Four whorls of a bisexual flower.
- Four pollinating agents.
- Two types of seeds on the basis of the number of cotyledons.
- Two types of germination.
- Two types of pollination.
Answer
- Calyx, Corolla, Androecium, and Gynoecium
- Insects, Wind, Water, and Animals
- Monocotyledonous seeds and Dicotyledonous seeds
- Epigeal germination and Hypogeal germination
- Self pollination and Cross pollination
Given below are sets of four terms. Choose the odd one and write the category of the remaining terms :
- Epicarp, Epicalyx, Endocarp, Mesocarp
- Anther, Ovary, Stigma, Style
- Bean, Gram, Rice, Pea
- Tegmen, Cotyledones, Testa, Thalamus
- Apple, Mango, Guava, Litchi
Answer
Odd one — Epicalyx
Category of remaining — Parts of a Pericarp or Fruit wallOdd one — Anther
Category of remaining — Parts of the CarpelOdd one — Rice
Category of remaining — Dicotyledonous seedsOdd one — Thalamus
Category of remaining — Parts of a seedOdd one — Apple
Category of remaining — True fruits with edible part formed from the ovary
Correct the following statements by changing the first/last word only
- Ovary is the part of a flower from where the petals and other floral parts arise.
- A fruit is the ripened ovule.
- The plumule of an embryo develops into the root system.
- Hilum is a small pore which allows the entry of water inside the seed.
- Enzymes act best at a temperature between 45° to 50° C.
Answer
Thalamus is the part of a flower from where the petals and other floral parts arise.
A fruit is the ripened ovary.
The radicle of an embryo develops into the root system.
Micropyle is a small pore which allows the entry of water inside the seed.
Enzymes act best at a temperature between 35° to 40° C.
Given below is a longitudinal section of a bean seed. Label the parts marked 1 to 5 and write their functions.

Answer
The parts marked 1 to 5 are:
- Testa
- Plumule
- Radicle
- Micropyle
- Cotyledon
Their functions are as follows:
- Testa — It protects the seed from insect and bacteria as well as from mechanical injury.
- Plumule — It develops into the shoot.
- Radicle — It develops into the root.
- Micropyle — It absorbs and allows the entry of as much water as is required for germination.
- Cotyledons — They contain stored food material which is used by the seedlings for growth.
Name the following:
- A seed which shows hypogeal germination.
- A monocot seed.
- A dicot seed.
- A seed which shows epigeal germination.
Answer
- Pea seed
- Maize grain
- Bean seed
- Papaya seed
Differentiate between Radicle and Plumule
Answer
Differences between Radicle and Plumule are:
| Radicle | Plumule |
|---|---|
| The radicle grows downward. | The plumule grows upward. |
| The radicle develops into root. | The plumule develops into shoot. |
Differentiate between Hilum and Micropyle
Answer
Differences between Hilum and Micropyle are:
| Hilum | Micropyle |
|---|---|
| Hilum is a scar which is present on the inner concave side of the seed. | Micropyle is a small pore which is present above the hilum. |
| Hilum is the place where the seed was attached to the fruit wall. | Micropyle absorbs and allows the entry of as much water as is required for germination. |
Differentiate between Testa and tegmen
Answer
Differences between Testa and Tegmen are:
| Testa | Tegmen |
|---|---|
| Testa is the protective outer covering of the seed coat. | Tegmen is the protective inner part of the seed coat. |
| Testa is smooth, thicker and impermeable. | Tegmen is thin and membranous. |
| Testa protects the seed from insect, bacteria as well as mechanical injury. | Tegmen protects the embryo from dehydration and mechanical damages. |
Give two functions of a fruit.
Answer
Two main functions of a fruit are:
- Fruit protects seed from the unfavourable environmental condition.
- Fruit stores food inside them.
Radicle emerges out of the seed earlier than plumule. State one advantage served by this.
Answer
The Radicle emerges out of the seed earlier than the plumule and absorbs water and essential nutrients from the soil. This helps the plumule to grow and allows for photosynthesis to occur by providing raw materials.
State whether the following statements are True or False.
- Some seeds have no cotyledons.
- Warmth is necessary for the germination of seeds.
- All seeds have two cotyledons.
- Oxygen is necessary for the germination of seeds.
Answer
- False
Reason — Seeds always have cotyledons. Seeds are of two types — monocotyledons having a single cotyledon and dicotyledons having two cotyledons. - True
Reason — Warmth or a suitable temperature is necessary for germination of seeds because enzymes are inactive at low temperatures and get destroyed at higher temperatures. - False
Reason — Seeds are of two types — monocotyledons having a single cotyledon and dicotyledons having two cotyledons. - True
Reason — Oxygen is required to oxidize the stored food and release energy required for the growth of the embryo.
State one function of the following:
- Radicle
- Cotyledons
- Endosperm
- Micropyle
Answer
- Radicle is the part of the seed which develops into root.
- Cotyledons contain stored food material which is used by the seedling for growth.
- Endosperm stores food in the form of starch.
- Micropyle absorbs and allows the entry of as much water as is needed for germination.
The three conditions necessary for germination of seeds are (tick the correct answer):
- Oxygen, suitable temperature and water.
- Good soil, water and air.
- Good soil, suitable temperature and light.
- Light, oxygen and temperature.
- Oxygen, carbon dioxide and light.
Answer
Oxygen, suitable temperature and water
Reason — Seeds need water for germination as most chemical reactions occur in water. Oxygen is required to oxidize the stored food and release energy required for the growth of the embryo. Suitable temperature is necessary for germination of seeds because enzymes are inactive at low temperatures and get destroyed at higher temperatures.
Name the part of the seed from which the following are given out:
- Roots
- Leaves
Answer
- Radicle
- Plumule
In the spaces provided below, draw labelled diagrams to show the three stages in the germination of any seed you have observed.
Complete Seed
Radicle Emerged
Plumule Emerged
Answer
Labelled diagrams showing the three stages in the germination of any seed are shown below:



Define the terms given below:
- Fruit
- Seed
- Fertilization
- Hilum
- Dry fruit
Answer
Fruit — A fruit is the ripened ovary. It is a sweet, fleshy, edible plant part. A fruit contains two parts, a pericarp or fruit wall and the seeds.
Seed — A seed is defined as a fertilized ovule, from which a new plant of the same kind can grow.
Fertilization — The fusion of male and female sex cells (gametes) is called fertilization.
Hilum — Hilum is a scar on the inner concave side of the seed, which marks the place where the seed was attached to the fruit wall.
Dry fruit — A dry fruit is the one in which the pericarp is not pulpy and encloses the seeds. For example, the pea pod.
What is meant by pollination? Name the two types of pollination.
Answer
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anthers to the stigma of a flower. The two types of pollination are:
- Self pollination
- Cross pollination
Imagine all the seeds produced by a plant happen to fall under the same plant and sprout into new plants. Mention any two problems that will be faced by the new plants.
Answer
The two main problems that will faced by the new plant are:
- New plants will lack space for their growth because comparatively large number of plants are growing at a particular place.
- The new plants will face competition among themselves to get nutrient from the soil which will hamper their growth and development.
What is a flower? Draw a typical flower and label its different parts.
Answer
Flower is a specialized shoot in which the leaves are modified into floral structures. It is the reproductive organ of the plant.
Labelled diagram of a flower is shown below:

With the help of a suitable labelled diagram, describe the structure of a dicot seed.
Answer
Taking Bean seed as an example of a dicot seed, below is its labelled diagram:

The structure of a bean seed is described below:
- The bean seed is protected by a thin, greenish outermost covering called seed coat. It protects the seed from insects and bacteria as well as from mechanical injury.
- The seed coat is divided into two parts, the outer part is called Testa and inner part is called Tegmen. Tegmen is a thin membrane that lies under the Testa.
- On the inner concave side of the seed, there is a scar called Hilum which marks the place where the seed was attached to the fruit wall.
- Above the hilum is a small pore called Micropyle. The Micropyle absorbs and allows the entry of as much water as is required for germination.
- On removing the testa and tegmen from a soaked bean seed, the seed is made up of two fleshy seed leaves called the Cotyledons. They contain stored food material which is used by the seedling for growth.
- In between the two cotyledons is located the delicate embryo which consist of a Radicle and Plumule. The radical develops into a root, while the plumule develops into a shoot.
Define germination? Name the two types of germination. Explain with examples.
Answer
The process by which an embryo within the seed becomes active and grows into a young plant is called germination. The two types of germinations are:
- Epigeal Germination — Put some bean seeds in moist cotton placed in a petri dish. After about two days, the radicle grows downwards and develops the roots, while the plumule grows upwards and develops into the shoot. It is seen that the cotyledons are pulled above the surface of the ground. This type of germination in which the cotyledons are pushed above the soil is called Epigeal Germination.
- Hypogeal Germination - Soak some maize grains in water for about 24 hours. The stored food in the endosperm is used by the radicle and plumule for their growth. The radicle grows downward while the plumule grows upward and forms the first leaf. This type of germination is called hypogeal germination, as the cotyledons remains under the soil. The plumule only comes out of the soil to form leaves of the plant.
What are the three conditions necessary for the germination of seeds?
Answer
For the germination of the seeds the three necessary conditions are:
- Water — All living things required water to carry out their life processes. Most chemical reactions occur in water. So seeds also need water during germination.
- Oxygen — Seed also needs air for the germination of seed. The oxygen present in the air is used to oxidize the stored food and thus release energy. The energy is required for the growth of the embryo.
- A Suitable Temperature — It is necessary for all chemical activities assisted by enzymes. Enzymes are inactive at low temperatures and get destroyed at higher temperatures. They act best between 35° and 40°C.
Give the main differences between Hypogeal and Epigeal germination.
Answer
Differences between Hypogeal and Epigeal germination are:
| Hypogeal | Epigeal |
|---|---|
| The Cotyledons remains under the soil. | The Cotyledons are pushed above the soil. |
| Epicotyl elongates faster than Hypocotyl, hence cotyledons remain below. | Hypocotyl elongates faster than Epicotyl, hence cotyledons get pulled above. |
| Example - Maize, Rice. | Example - Papaya, Bean. |
State the location of the following in a flower:
- Sepals
- Petals
- Anthers
- Stigma
Answer
- Sepals — Sepals are located in the Calyx which is the outermost whorl of the flower.
- Petals — Petals are located in the Corolla which is the second inner whorl of the flower.
- Anthers — Anthers are located at the tip of the stamens in the third whorl of the flower, inner to the petals.
- Stigma — Stigma is located in the fourth and innermost whorl of the flower, in the pistil at the tip of the style.
Give the difference in function between Ovary and Ovule.
Answer
Difference in function between Ovary and Ovule is:
| Ovary | Ovule |
|---|---|
| Ovary after fertilization turns into a fruit. | Ovule after fertilization turns into a seed of a fruit. |
Give the difference in function between Petal and Sepal.
Answer
Difference in function between Petal and Sepal is:
| Petal | Sepal |
|---|---|
| The petal makes the flower attractive and hence attract insects for pollination. | The sepal encloses the inner parts of the flower to provide necessary protection to the growing bud. |
Give the difference in function between Filament and Style.
Answer
Difference in function between Filament and Style are:
| Filament | Style |
|---|---|
| The filament bears anther at its tip which produce pollen grains. Pollen grains contain the male gametes. | The style transfers the male gametes of the pollen grains into the ovary. |
| Filament comes under the male reproductive part of the flower. | Style comes under the female reproductive part of the flower. |
Give the difference in function between pollen grains and ovule.
Answer
Difference in function between pollen grains and ovule are:
| Pollen grains | Ovule |
|---|---|
| It contains the male gametes. | It contains the female gametes. |
| Pollen grains deliver male gametes from stamen of the flower to ovule. | Ovule comes under the female reproductive part of the flower. |
Draw a neat diagram of the 'longitudinal section of a maize grain' and label its seven important parts. Answer the following questions :
- Name the structure which divides the embryonic and endospermic region of the grain.
- Among the parts labelled by you above, which one of them is protienaceous in nature ?
- Name the food component which is stored in the endosperm.
- Mention the part of the seed which develops into the root.
- Why do we call it as a 'grain' and not as a seed or fruit ?
Answer
Diagram of Longitudinal section of a maize grain:

The epithilial layer divides the embryonic and endospermic region of the grain.
Aleurone layer is protinaceous in nature.
Endosperm stores food in the form of starch.
Radicle is the part of the seed which develops into the root.
We call it 'maize grain' as the seed coat is fused together with the pericarp, making it indistinguishable.
Given alongside is a figure of the vertical section of a typical bisexual flower. Study the same and answer the following questions :

- Label the guidelines 1 to 9.
- Which of the above labelled parts constitute the pistil? Write the numbers and names of those parts.
- Name the part which produces pollen grains.
- Is it a complete/incomplete flower ? Give reason in support of your answer.
- Write one important role of the part labelled as 6.
Answer
The parts 1 to 9 given in the diagram are:
1 → Thalamus
2 → Sepal
3 → Filament
4 → Anther
5 → Petal
6 → Stigma
7 → Anther
8 → Style
9 → OvuleThe parts in the given figure that constitute the pistil are:
6 → Stigma,
8 → Style, and
9 → Ovules.The anther contains pollen sacs which produce a yellow, powdery material consisting of pollen grains.
The given figure shows a complete flower. This is because all four whorls viz. calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium are present in the same flower.
One important role of Stigma is that it receives the pollen grains during pollination.
The figure given alongside represents the vertical section of a fruit. Study the same and answer the following questions :

- Identify the fruit and mention whether it is a true fruit or a false fruit.
- Label the guidelines 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- Write the collective name for the parts shown as 1, 2 and 3.
- Name the part of the flower which matures into part 4.
- Which of the above labelled parts of the fruit is fleshy and edible ?
Answer
The given fruit is Mango. Mango is a true fruit as the fleshy part and the seed both develop from the ovary.
The parts 1 to 4 are:
1 → Epicarp
2 → Mesocarp
3 → Endocarp
4 → SeedEpicarp, Mesocarp, and Endocarp are collectively known as the Pericarp.
The ovule that contains the fertilised cell develops into a seed.
Mesocarp is the sweet, fleshy and edible layer.