Out of the 4 whorls of flower, which of the following are sterile? (a) androecium (b) gynoecium © calxy (d) corolla

Options

A. (a) & (b)
B. (b) only
C. Only (c)
D. (c) & (d)

Answer

To determine which of the four whorls of a flower are sterile, we need to analyze each part:

1. **Understand the Whorls of a Flower**:
- A flower typically consists of four main whorls:
- **Androecium**: This is the male reproductive part of the flower, consisting of stamens. It produces pollen grains, which are essential for fertilization.
- **Gynoecium**: This is the female reproductive part, consisting of carpels. It contains the ovules and is responsible for producing seeds after fertilization.
- **Calyx**: This is composed of sepals, which are usually green and protect the flower bud before it blooms.
- **Corolla**: This is made up of petals, which are often colorful and attract pollinators.

2. **Identify Sterile Parts**:
- Sterile parts of a flower are those that do not participate in the reproductive process (i.e., they do not produce gametes).
- **Androecium** and **Gynoecium** are involved in reproduction as they produce male and female gametes, respectively.
- **Calyx (sepals)** and **Corolla (petals)** do not produce gametes and serve protective and attractive functions.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Since the question asks for the sterile parts, the correct answers are **Calyx (C)** and **Corolla (D)**. Both of these parts are sterile.

Thus, the answer to the question is that the sterile whorls of the flower are **Calyx and Corolla**.