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Question #45334
The Question
In a mutant angiosperm, the Primary Endosperm Nucleus (PEN) fails to undergo successive nuclear divisions immediately following double fertilization, while the zygote initially remains viable. Assuming no exogenous application of plant growth regulators, what will be the most likely physiological consequence for the ovary wall?
Options
- A.
It will undergo premature senescence and abscission due to the failure of the developing seed to synthesize adequate auxins and gibberellins.
- B.
It will autonomously differentiate into a parthenocarpic pericarp because the physical event of double fertilization has already triggered the irreversible fruit-set pathway.
- C.
It will thicken and differentiate into a protective seed coat (testa) to compensate for the lack of nutritive endosperm tissue.
- D.
It will continue normal pericarp differentiation because the hormonal triggers for fruit growth are derived exclusively from the maternal tissues of the placenta.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Pericarp|Endosperm|Gibberellins
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the NCERT line 'ovary develops into fruit after fertilization' as an absolute, binary switch.
The trap lies in failing to recognize the physiological mechanism: the developing endosperm/seed is the actual source of the hormones (auxins/gibberellins) that sustain pericarp differentiation.
Without the endosperm's hormonal output, the maternal ovary wall will senesce, decoupling the fertilization event from successful fruit maturation.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants - Class 12 |
| Concept | Perisperm vs Pericarp |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |