Assertion : Nuclear endosperm is formed by subsequent nuclear division without wall formation
Reason : Coconut is an example of such endosperm, where the endosperm remains nuclear throughout the development of the fruit.

Options

A. If both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion
B. If both the assertion and reason are true but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion
C. If the assertion is true but the reason is false
D. If both the assertion and reason are false

Answer

C

Explanation

In nuclear type of endosperm the division of the primary endosperm nucleus and a few subsequent nuclear division are not accompanied by wall formation. So numerous nuclei are freely suspended in its sap. In coconut, the primary endosperm nucleus undergoes a number of free nuclear divisions. When the fruit is about 50 mm long before the embryo sac gets filled with a clear fluid in which float numerous nuclei various sizes. At a later stage (about 100 mm long fruit) the suspension shows in addition to free nuclei, several cell each enclosing variable number of nuclei. Gradually these cells and free nuclei start setting at the periphery of the cavity and layers of cellular endosperm start appearing. This forms the coconut meant. In mature coconuts the liquid endosperm becomes milky and it does not contain free nuclei or cell.