Question

A capsicum flower has 240 ovules in its ovary. But, it produces a fruit with only 180 viable seeds.
 

Explain giving a reason that could be responsible for such a result.

Answer 1

Ovules develop into viable seeds which are capable of germination under suitable environmental conditions. Viability is influenced by various conditions like humidity, temperature, and availability of oxygen. Viability can be lost due to:

(1) exhaustion of food around the embryo
(2) damage to the embryo
(3) denaturation of enzymes
(4) extremely high temperatures
(5) excessively dry weather