Question

Which embryo typically survives in polyembryonic seeds?

Options

• The nucellar embryo, which is more vigorous

• All embryos survive equally

• The antipodal embryo exclusively

• The zygotic embryo always

Answer 1

In polyembryonic seeds, typically only one embryo survives during seed development, usually the nucellar embryo, which is more vigorous than the zygotic embryo. The rest of the embryos degenerate. This competitive advantage of nucellar embryos has practical applications in horticulture for producing true-to-type seedlings in certain crops.