Seed is a

Options

A. fertilized and ripened ovule
B. fertilized and ripened ovary
C. developing ovule
D. developing ovary

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Seed**: A seed is defined as a fertilized and ripened ovule. This means that the ovule, which is part of the female reproductive structure of a plant, undergoes fertilization and then ripens to form a seed.

2. **Formation of Seed**: After fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed. This process involves the ovule maturing and transforming into a hard structure known as a seed.

3. **Relation to Fruit**: In flowering plants (angiosperms), seeds are typically found within fruits. The fruit is the mature ovary of the flower, and it protects the seeds. The hard part of the fruit that contains the seeds is known as the pericarp.

4. **Structure of Pericarp**: The pericarp consists of three layers:
- **Epicarp**: The outermost layer.
- **Mesocarp**: The middle fleshy layer.
- **Endocarp**: The innermost layer that directly surrounds the seed.

5. **Comparison with Gymnosperms**: In contrast to angiosperms, gymnosperms produce seeds but do not form fruits. Gymnosperms have ovules that are exposed and do not develop into a fruit structure.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, in summary, a seed is a fertilized and ripened ovule, and in angiosperms, it is contained within a fruit, while gymnosperms produce seeds without fruits.

---