Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

(i) Post-fertilization changes:

(a) Zygote: The zygote undergoes repeated mitotic divisions to form an embryo (ball of cells), which eventually develops into a seed (embryo enclosed within seed coat).

(b) Ovule: The ovule develops into a seed after fertilization. It contains the embryo and stored food.

(c) Ovary: The ovary develops into a fruit. Its wall (pericarp) thickens to form the fruit wall surrounding the seed(s).

(d) Sepals: The sepals wither and fall off (dry up and drop) after fertilization, as they are no longer needed to protect the flower.

(ii) Germination:

Germination is the process by which a seed sprouts and develops into a new seedling under suitable conditions of water, warmth, and air. The embryo within the seed resumes growth and emerges as a young plant.

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• For part (i), examiners expect one clear, distinct change per structure — avoid mixing them up.
• Remember: zygote → embryo → seed; ovule → seed; ovary → fruit; sepals → wither/fall.
• For germination, a one-sentence definition mentioning the seed and conditions (water, warmth, air) is sufficient for 1 mark.
• The source passages focus mainly on animal reproduction; flower post-fertilization changes are standard NCERT Chapter 7 content — use textbook terminology precisely.