Endosperm development stages

Question 1

What develops during grain filling in barley?

Answer 1

The endosperm develops

The endosperm is crucial for nutritional storage in barley seeds.

Question 2

What environmental factors can influence barley crop yield?

Answer 2

Water availability and temperature

Severe cold or high temperatures can reduce grain formation.

Question 3

What is the grain fill period?

Answer 3

The period when the endosperm is filled with nutritional storage materials

This occurs just before harvest.

Question 4

What nutritional materials are synthesized in the endosperm during normal growth?

Answer 4

Starch and protein

Synthesis occurs in the endosperm cells.

Question 5

How do extreme temperature or drought conditions affect starch and protein synthesis?

Answer 5

Drought suppresses starch synthesis and increases protein synthesis

This can result in smaller grain size.

Question 6

List the stages of grain filling in barley.

Answer 6

• Milk stage
• Dough stage
• Final grain maturity

Each stage shows the development of protein, starch, and sucrose.

Question 7

What happens to sucrose levels during the dough stage?

Answer 7

Sucrose levels rapidly decrease

The plant uses sucrose to synthesize starch.

Question 8

How is final grain size linked to fertiliser application?

Answer 8

High nitrogen fertiliser can lead to high protein levels and smaller grains

This results in lower starch content in the grains.