The Question is from neet-botany morphology-of-flowering-polants seed, and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

In a recalcitrant seed, which physiological factor is PRIMARILY responsible for its inability to withstand desiccation?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Seed physiology, recalcitrant seeds, desiccation tolerance
 **Related Topics**: Plant water relations, membrane stability, oxidative stress
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of seed dormancy, water potential, and cellular damage mechanisms.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question focuses on recalcitrant seeds, which are seeds that cannot tolerate drying.
  We need to identify the primary physiological factor preventing desiccation tolerance.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the options:
  Reasoning: Each option presents a potential physiological factor that could contribute to a seed's inability to withstand desiccation.
 2. Evaluate each option's plausibility:
  Option A (Presence of germination inhibitors): While germination inhibitors can influence germination, they are not the primary factor preventing desiccation tolerance.  Recalcitrant seeds often lack significant levels of these inhibitors.
  Option B (Lack of protective proteins): Protective proteins like late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are crucial for desiccation tolerance. Their absence would indeed contribute to the problem, but it's not necessarily the *primary* factor.
  Option C (High sensitivity of cellular membranes to dehydration damage):  Cellular membranes are extremely sensitive to dehydration.  Damage to membranes leads to leakage of essential cellular components and ultimately cell death. This is a direct and primary consequence of desiccation in recalcitrant seeds. 
  Option D (Rapid depletion of stored reserves): While depleting reserves during desiccation is a contributing factor, it's not the primary reason for the inability to withstand desiccation. The immediate damage to cellular membranes is more critical. 
 3. Conclude:
  Result: Option C, high sensitivity of cellular membranes to dehydration damage, is the most direct and primary reason why recalcitrant seeds cannot withstand desiccation.
  Verification: The literature strongly supports the critical role of membrane stability in desiccation tolerance.  Recalcitrant seeds lack the mechanisms to protect their membranes during drying, leading to irreversible damage.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Presence of germination inhibitors is not the primary reason for desiccation intolerance in recalcitrant seeds.
B :x: While a lack of protective proteins contributes, membrane damage is the more direct and primary cause.
C ✓: High sensitivity of cellular membranes to dehydration is the primary reason recalcitrant seeds cannot tolerate drying. Membrane damage leads to cellular dysfunction and death.
D :x: Depletion of reserves contributes to the overall stress, but membrane damage is the more immediate and critical factor.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the symptoms (reserve depletion) with the cause (membrane damage): Focusing on secondary effects rather than the primary cause of desiccation intolerance.
  2.Overlooking the central role of membrane integrity in cellular survival during desiccation.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that recalcitrant seeds are highly sensitive to dehydration, and this sensitivity primarily manifests as damage to cellular membranes.
  2.Associate recalcitrant seeds with membrane instability and the lack of protective mechanisms against dehydration-induced damage.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Presence of germination inhibitors that prevent metabolic slowdown

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Lack of protective proteins that stabilize cellular components during drying

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "High sensitivity of cellular membranes to dehydration damage"

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Rapid depletion of stored reserves during the early stages of desiccation

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