Endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo in

Options

A. pea and groundnut
B. maize and castor
C. castor and groundnut
D. maize and pea

Answer

To determine in which plants the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo, we need to analyze the characteristics of different types of seeds based on their endosperm content.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Double Fertilization**:
- In flowering plants, double fertilization occurs when one male gamete fuses with the egg cell to form the embryo, and the other male gamete fuses with the central cell to form the endosperm.

2. **Identify Types of Seeds**:
- Seeds can be classified into two types based on their endosperm:
- **Exalbuminous seeds (androspermic seeds)**: These seeds have their endosperm completely consumed by the developing embryo. Examples include pea (Pisum sativum) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea).
- **Albuminous seeds (endospermic seeds)**: These seeds retain some endosperm at maturity. Examples include maize (Zea mays) and castor (Ricinus communis).

3. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Option A: Pea and Groundnut**: Both are exalbuminous seeds where the endosperm is consumed by the embryo.
- **Option B: Maize and Castor**: Both are albuminous seeds that retain endosperm.
- **Option C: Castor and Groundnut**: Groundnut is exalbuminous, but castor is albuminous.
- **Option D: Maize and Pea**: Pea is exalbuminous, but maize is albuminous.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option A: Pea and Groundnut**, as both of these seeds have their endosperm completely consumed by the developing embryo.

### Final Answer:
**Endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo in: Pea and Groundnut (Option A).**

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