Seed

A seed is the small, embryonic plant enclosed in a covering called the seed coat, usually with some stored food. Seeds are formed as a result of sexual reproduction in plants, and they are essential for the continuation of plant species. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the type of plant they come from.

Structure of a Seed

A typical seed consists of three main parts: the seed coat, the endosperm, and the embryo. The seed coat protects the inner parts of the seed from mechanical injury and drying out. The endosperm is a tissue that provides nutrition to the developing plant embryo. The embryo contains the young plant with the rudimentary root (radicle), shoot (plumule), and one or two cotyledons (seed leaves).

Germination

Germination is the process by which a seed begins to sprout and grow into a new plant. It usually requires the right combination of water, oxygen, and favorable temperature. When these conditions are met, the seed absorbs water, which activates the metabolic processes within the embryo, leading to the emergence of the radicle and the growth of the young plant.

Study Guide

1. What is a seed and why is it important for plants?
2. Describe the structure of a seed and the function of each part.
3. Explain the process of germination and the conditions required for it to occur.
4. Compare and contrast the seeds of different plant species in terms of size, shape, and color.
5. Research and list five different types of seeds and the plants they come from.