- Following are certain statements related to seed maturation:
A. Seed maturation involves mainly the accumulation of storage products, such as starch, lipids and proteins.
B. A large number of chaperones including the family of LATE EMBRYO ABUNDANT (LEA) proteins, play a crucial role in the dessication process of seeds
C. Moisture content gets reduced with the maturation of seed
D. ABA and gibberellin both promote seed dormancy
Which one of the following options has all correct statements?
(1) A and C only (2) B and D only
(3) B, C and D only (4) A, B and C only
Correct answer: (4) A, B and C only
Explanation:
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(A) Seed maturation is characterized by the accumulation of storage products like starch, lipids, and proteins that provide nutrients for germination and early growth. This is true.
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(B) A variety of chaperones, including LATE EMBRYO ABUNDANT (LEA) proteins, protect seed cells during desiccation, helping seeds tolerate drying and survive dormant stages. This is true.
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(C) During seed maturation, the moisture content decreases, facilitating desiccation tolerance and dormancy. This is true.
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(D) ABA promotes seed dormancy, while gibberellin generally breaks dormancy and promotes germination, so both do not promote dormancy. This is false.
Option-wise:
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(1) A and C only — leaves out B, which is true.
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(2) B and D only — D is false.
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(3) B, C and D only — D is false.
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(4) A, B and C only — correct.
Seed maturation involves accumulation of nutrients like starch and proteins, protection by LEA chaperones during drying, and reduction in seed moisture content; ABA promotes dormancy while gibberellin typically triggers germination, highlighting their opposing roles in seed physiology.
