Question

Double fertilization is reported in plants of both, castor and groundnut. However, the mature seeds of groundnut are non-albuminous and castor are albuminous. Explain the post fertilization events that are responsible for it.

Answer 1

Though double fertilisation is reported in both groundnut and castor, their mature seeds are different with respect to endosperm. The post-fertilisation events of them are as follows:

• The primary endosperm nucleus repeatedly divides to give rise to free nuclei. This stage of development is called free nuclear endosperm.

• Cell wall formation occurs next, resulting in a cellular endosperm.

• At this stage, the endosperm may either be fully consumed by the growing embryo (non-albuminous seeds) as in the case of groundnut or be retained in the mature seed as in the case of castor and be used later in seed germination (albuminous seeds).