The cotyledons of the embryo are simple structures, generally thick and swollen due to storage of food reserves in

Options

A. Maize
B. Castor
C. Legumes
D. Barley

Answer

To answer the question regarding the cotyledons of the embryo being thick and swollen due to the storage of food reserves, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Cotyledons**: Cotyledons are the first leaves that develop from the embryo of a seed. They play a crucial role in the early stages of a plant's life by providing nutrients.

2. **Characteristics of Cotyledons**: The cotyledons are typically simple structures that can appear thick and swollen. This swelling is primarily due to the accumulation of food reserves.

3. **Food Storage in Cotyledons**: In many plants, especially in legumes, the cotyledons store significant amounts of food. This food is essential for the embryo's growth until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis.

4. **Types of Seeds**: Seeds can be classified into two categories based on the presence of endosperm:
- **Non-albuminous Seeds**: These seeds do not have residual endosperm as it is completely consumed during the development of the seed. An example of this type is the pea plant.
- **Albuminous Seeds**: These seeds retain some endosperm, which provides additional nutrition. Examples include maize, barley, and castor.

5. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: Since the question specifically asks about the cotyledons being thick and swollen due to food storage, we need to identify which of the options provided (maize, castor, legumes, or barley) has cotyledons that store food reserves.
- In legumes, the cotyledons are indeed thick and swollen due to the storage of food reserves, making this the correct answer.

### Conclusion:
The correct answer to the question is **legumes**, as their cotyledons are thick and swollen due to the storage of food reserves.

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