Among plants known as legumes (beans, peas, alfalfa, clover, for example), the seeds are contained in a fruit that is itself called a legume, better known as a pod. Upon opening such pods, it is commonly observed that some ovules have become mature seeds, whereas other ovules have not. Which of the following statements is (are) TRUE?
1) The flowers that gave rise to such pods were not pollinated.
2) Pollen tubes did not enter all of the ovules in such pods.
3) There was apparently not enough endosperm to distribute to all of the ovules in such pods.
4) The ovules that failed to develop into seeds were derived from sterile floral parts.
5) Fruit can develop, even if all ovules within have not been fertilized.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement that all fertilized ovules will become mature seeds is incorrect. Some ovules may not be pollinated or may not receive enough endosperm. Therefore, choices 1 and 3 are incorrect. Choice 4 is also incorrect as the reproductive parts of a flower (stamen and carpel) are responsible for producing ovules, which can develop into seeds if fertilized. Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 5, which state that pollen tubes may not enter all ovules and that fruits can develop even if all ovules are not fertilized.

Among Plants Known as Legumes (Beans, Peas, Alfalfa, Clover, for Example)