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

c.is the correct option

Explanation:

Fungi might assist in seed germination by providing the embryos with some of the organic nutrients the fungi have absorbed

• Fungi is an eukaryote which digests food externally and absorbs nutrients directly through its cell walls
• Fungi absorb nutrients through following three ways:
• By decomposing dead organic matter: obtains its nutrients from non-living organic matter, usually dead and decaying plant or animal matter, by absorbing soluble organic compounds
• By feeding on living hosts:fungi live in or on other organisms and get their nutrients from their host
• Living mutualistically with other organisms: mutualistic fungi live harmlessly with other living organisms;fungal component absorb water and minerals and provide them to algal component which uses them to make food

In dark,moist environment nutrient availability is less hence fungi helps in providing orchid seeds the nutrients which it has absorbed