Endosperm, a product of double fertilization in angiosperms is absent in the seeds of

Options

A. Wheat
B. Groundnut
C. Maize
D. Castor

Answer

To solve the question regarding the absence of endosperm in the seeds of certain angiosperms, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Double Fertilization**:
- In angiosperms, double fertilization is a unique process where one sperm fertilizes the egg to form the zygote, and the other sperm fuses with two polar nuclei to form the primary endosperm cell.

**Hint**: Remember that double fertilization is a defining feature of angiosperms.

2. **Formation of Endosperm**:
- The primary endosperm cell undergoes mitosis to develop into the endosperm, which serves as the nutritive tissue for the developing embryo.

**Hint**: The endosperm is crucial for providing nutrients to the embryo during its early development.

3. **Types of Seeds**:
- Seeds can be classified based on the presence or absence of endosperm.
- Seeds that retain the endosperm after fertilization are called endospermous (or albuminous) seeds. Examples include maize, wheat, and castor.

**Hint**: Think about which seeds are known for having a significant amount of stored food in the form of endosperm.

4. **Seeds Without Endosperm**:
- In some seeds, the endosperm is completely utilized by the developing embryo, resulting in seeds that do not contain any endosperm. These are known as non-endospermous seeds.
- Common examples include seeds from the legume family, such as groundnut, pea, and beans.

**Hint**: Consider the legume family and its characteristics regarding seed structure.

5. **Identifying the Correct Answer**:
- The question asks for the seeds in which endosperm is absent. Based on the information, groundnut (from the leguminosae family) is one of the examples where the endosperm is completely consumed by the developing embryo.

**Hint**: Focus on the specific examples provided in the context of the question.

### Conclusion:
The correct answer to the question is that endosperm is absent in the seeds of groundnut (option number 2).