Final answer:
A seed does not need its endosperm to dry out to grow; it is false to make such a claim. The endosperm serves as an essential nutrient reserve for the developing embryo, which the embryo utilizes during germination and early growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to whether a seed can grow once the endosperm dries out is b) False.
The endosperm is a crucial tissue in seeds, especially in angiosperms, and it is formed as a result of a double fertilization event. This tissue serves as a food reserve for the developing embryo. It provides the necessary nutrients for the embryo to grow until the seedling can produce its own food via photosynthesis. Therefore, the endosperm does not need to dry out for a seed to grow; rather, it is the usage of its stored food resources that enables seed germination and growth.
In many plants, as the embryo develops and the cotyledons enlarge, the endosperm is absorbed. It's important to note that in some plant species, the endosperm is completely consumed and transferred into the cotyledons before the seed is fully mature, while in others, the endosperm remains at least partially until germination. In monocot plants like corn, the endosperm remains until germination, at which point it provides vital nourishment to the emerging seedling.