A fruit is a. a mature ovary. b. a mature ovule. c. a seed plus its integuments. d. an enlarged embryo sac.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the correct definition of a fruit in botanical terms.
2. Recall that a fruit develops from the ovary of a flower after fertilization.
3. Recognize that an ovule develops into a seed, not a fruit, and thus options b and c are incorrect.
4. Understand that an embryo sac is part of the ovule's structure and does not enlarge to form a fruit, eliminating option d.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is a. a mature ovary, as it is the part of the flower that develops into a fruit after fertilization.

Key Concepts

Fruit Development

A fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, typically containing seeds. It develops after fertilization when the ovary wall thickens and matures, serving to protect the seeds and aid in their dispersal. Understanding this process is crucial for distinguishing fruits from other plant structures.

Ovary vs. Ovule

The ovary is the part of the flower that develops into fruit after fertilization, while the ovule is the structure within the ovary that develops into a seed. This distinction is important because the question specifically refers to the mature ovary as the definition of fruit, not the ovule or other components.

Seed Structure

Seeds are the reproductive units of flowering plants, containing an embryo and stored nutrients, encased in a protective seed coat. The relationship between seeds and fruits is significant, as fruits often facilitate seed dispersal, but they are not synonymous; understanding this relationship helps clarify the definitions provided in the question.