Question

Orchid seeds are tiny, with virtually no endosperm and with miniscule cotyledons. If such seeds are deposited in a dark, moist environment, then which of the following represents the most likely means by which fungi might assist in seed germination, given what the seeds lack?

A) by transferring some chloroplasts to the embryo in each seed
B) by providing the seeds with water and minerals
C) by providing the embryos with some of the organic nutrients the fungi have absorbed
D) by strengthening the seed coat that surrounds each seed

Answer 1

The correct answer will be option-C

Step-by-step explanation:

Roots of Orchid trees form a symbiotic association with the Fungi which help the orchid tree seed germination.

As soon as the seed is produced and buried in the soil, the chemical produced by the seed attracts the fungal species which in result help the seed to germinate.

The fungi help the orchid seed by producing the digestive enzymes which can digest the larger compounds and breaks it into smaller elements easily absorbed by the fungi. The absorbed nutrients are supplied by the fungi to the seed embryo nourishing it and thus processing the seed to germinate.

Thus, Option-C is the correct answer.