Question: 124. In the seeds of cereals, the outer covering of endosperm separates the embryo by a protein-rich layer called:
(1) Coleoptile
(2) Coleorhiza
(3) Integument
(4) Aleurone layer
Answer: Option (4)
Explanation:
In cereal grains such as wheat, rice, and maize, the endosperm is surrounded by a special outermost layer called the aleurone layer.
The aleurone layer is rich in proteins and plays an important role during seed germination by secreting enzymes that help in the digestion of stored food in the endosperm.
This layer also separates the starchy endosperm from the embryo of the seed.
Coleoptile and coleorhiza are protective sheaths of the plumule and radicle respectively, while integument forms the seed coat.
Hence, the correct answer is aleurone layer.