In pea, endosperm is consumed by developing embryo in the seed. The endosperm is completely absorbed by the growing embroyo and the food reserve gets stored in the cotyledons. Such seeds are called non endospermic or exalbuminous.

Endosperm is a tissue that is present in the seeds of angiosperms. It provides nutrition to the developing embryo inside the seed. The endosperm is consumed by the embryo during seed germination, and it is an essential source of nutrients for the growing plant.

The correct answer to this question is option C - Pea. Let us discuss why Pea is the correct option.

Endosperm in Pea Seeds

In pea seeds, the endosperm is a starchy tissue that surrounds the embryo. It is the primary source of nutrients for the developing embryo during seed germination. The endosperm provides carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids that are necessary for the growth of the embryo.

During seed germination, the endosperm is broken down by enzymes produced by the embryo. The nutrients from the endosperm are then transported to the growing plant through the cotyledons. The cotyledons are the first leaves of the plant that emerge from the seed during germination.

Other Options

Castor seeds also have endosperm, which is consumed by the developing embryo. However, the endosperm in castor seeds is not the primary source of nutrients for the embryo. The cotyledons in castor seeds are large and fleshy, and they provide most of the nutrients for the growing plant.

Coconut seeds have endosperm, which is a liquid that is consumed by the developing embryo. The endosperm in coconut seeds is a rich source of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. However, coconut seeds are not angiosperms, and they are not included in the category of plants that have endosperm.

Maize seeds also have endosperm, which is a starchy tissue that provides nutrients to the developing embryo. However, maize seeds have a unique structure, where the endosperm is surrounded by two cotyledons. The cotyledons in maize seeds are the primary source of nutrients for the developing embryo, and they absorb most of the nutrients from the endosperm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer to this question is option C - Pea. Pea seeds have endosperm, which is consumed by the developing embryo during seed germination. The endosperm in pea seeds is the primary source of nutrients for the embryo, and it provides carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids that are necessary for the growth of the plant.

Maize, coconut and castor are endospermic seeds (maize & coconut being monocots and castor being an endospermic dicot), whereas pea is a non-endospermic seed in which endosperm is consumed during seed development. So correct answer is option c. Refer to class 11 NCERT Biology chapter Morphology of flowering plants (seed section)