BPSC Exam 2 Lec 9 2026 Questions and Answers (45 Questions) – Seed Biology, Poaceae, Maize Domestication, Nutrition & Germination

This document contains 45 verified exam questions and answers for BPSC Exam 2 (Lecture 9), focusing on seed biology, plant macromolecules, maize structure, domestication, and nutritional biochemistry. It covers the biological role of starch, oils, and proteins in seeds; differences between monocot and dicot seed structure; and detailed maize seed anatomy including endosperm, cotyledon, embryo, and seed coat functions. The material also addresses germination, enzymatic breakdown of storage compounds, malt production, and the biochemical basis of high-fructose corn syrup versus sucrose. The document provides in-depth coverage of the Poaceae (grass family), including diagnostic floral characteristics (K2 C0 A3 G2), caryopsis fruit type, wind pollination, and major cereal crops such as wheat (Triticum), rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). It further explores maize domestication from teosinte, domestication syndrome traits, crop progenitors, centers of crop origin, and breeding systems such as monoecy and outcrossing. Additional topics include hops (Humulus lupulus) in brewing, dioecy, seed germination requirements, monocot leaf venation, biofuel feedstocks, nixtamalization using calcium hydroxide, vitamin B3 (niacin) bioavailability, and the historical disease pellagra linked to maize-based diets. The content integrates plant structure, physiology, agriculture, human nutrition, and evolutionary principles in a concise exam-ready format. This document is particularly relevant for: Students enrolled in BPSC courses or introductory plant biology Agriculture, crop science, and plant breeding majors Food science and nutrition students studying carbohydrates and seed chemistry Environmental science students examining biofuels and crop systems Undergraduate biology students preparing for midterm or final examinations It serves as a structured and focused revision resource aligned with lecture content and core concepts in plant biology and agricultural science. Keywords: seed biology, macromolecules in seeds, starch storage, endosperm, cotyledon, embryo development, germination, enzymes in seeds, malt production, Poaceae, grass family, caryopsis, maize anatomy, monocot vs dicot, parallel veins, Zea mays, teosinte, domestication syndrome, crop progenitors, centers of crop origin, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose metabolism, biofuel feedstock, Humulus lupulus, dioecious plants, monoecious plants, nixtamalization, calcium hydroxide, vitamin B3, niacin deficiency, pellagra