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Lesson 6.2

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Binuri Sandarekha
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23 views4 pages

Lesson 6.2

Uploaded by

Binuri Sandarekha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Seed

1.What is a Seed?
A seed is the reproductive unit of a flowering plant, formed as a result of fertilization, that
contains an embryonic plant and the necessary nutrients to germinate and grow into a new
plant. It consists of three main components:
• Embryo: The young multicellular organism before it emerges from the seed.
• Endosperm: The food reserve (rich in starch, proteins, and oils) that nourishes the
developing embryo.
• Seed coat: The outer protective layer that shields the embryo from physical damage,
pathogens, and desiccation.

2.Monocot and Dicot Seeds


2.1. Monocot Seeds:
• Definition: Monocot seeds come from plants in the class Monocotyledonae. They
contain one cotyledon (seed leaf).
• Examples: Maize, wheat, rice.
• Characteristics:
o Single Cotyledon: Only one seed leaf is present.
o Endosperm: Large, serves as the main food storage.
o Fibrous Roots: Monocot plants have fibrous root systems.
o Parallel Venation: Leaves have parallel veins.
o Structure: Contains a thin seed coat that is fused with the fruit wall (as in
cereals).
• Parts of a Monocot Seed:
o Embryo: Contains the plumule (future shoot) and radicle (future root).
o Scutellum: The specialized cotyledon that absorbs nutrients from the
endosperm.

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o Endosperm: Provides nutrients to the developing plant.
2.2. Dicot Seeds:
• Definition: Dicot seeds come from plants in the class Dicotyledonae. They contain
two cotyledons.
• Examples: Beans, peas, sunflower.
• Characteristics:
o Two Cotyledons: The seed has two seed leaves.
o Endosperm: Usually absent or minimal since the cotyledons store food.
o Taproot System: Dicot plants have a taproot system.
o Reticulate Venation: Leaves have a network of veins.
o Structure: The seed coat is often thick and distinct from the fruit.
• Parts of a Dicot Seed:
o Embryo: Includes plumule and radicle.
o Cotyledons: Serve as food storage organs.
o Seed Coat: Protects the internal parts of the seed.
o Micropyle: A tiny pore through which water enters during germination.

3. Parts of a Seed and Their Characteristics


1. Seed Coat: The tough outer covering, which includes two layers in dicots (the outer
testa and inner tegmen).
o Function: Protects the seed from mechanical injury, water loss, and infection.
2. Embryo: The immature plant inside the seed.
o Components:
▪ Plumule: Develops into the shoot.
▪ Radicle: Develops into the root.
▪ Hypocotyl: The part of the stem below the cotyledons.
▪ Epicotyl: The part of the stem above the cotyledons.
3. Endosperm: In monocots, it stores nutrients; in dicots, it is absorbed by the
cotyledons.
o Function: Provides nourishment to the growing embryo.
4. Cotyledons: Seed leaves that store food for the embryo in dicots or help absorb
nutrients in monocots.

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4. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the process by which a seed grows into a new plant. It is a crucial method
of plant reproduction and can be influenced by both internal and external factors.

5. Steps of Seed Propagation


1. Water Absorption (Imbibition):
o Process: The seed absorbs water through the micropyle and seed coat. The
absorption causes the seed to swell and activates metabolic processes.
o Importance: Essential for activating enzymes and kickstarting germination.
2. Enzyme Activation:
o Process: Water absorption triggers the production of enzymes like amylase,
protease, and lipase.
o Function: These enzymes break down stored nutrients (starch, proteins, fats)
in the seed to provide energy for growth.
3. Radicle Emergence:
o Process: The radicle (root) is the first part of the embryo to emerge, growing
downward to anchor the seedling and absorb water and nutrients.
4. Plumule Emergence:
o Process: The plumule (shoot) emerges next, growing upward towards the
light.
5. Seedling Growth:
o Process: The seedling continues to grow, developing leaves and starting
photosynthesis, which takes over as the primary source of energy.

6. Types of Propagation
1. Sexual Propagation (Seed Propagation):
o Involves the reproduction of plants through seeds. The offspring have genetic
variation, which increases diversity and adaptability.
2. Asexual Propagation (Vegetative Propagation):
o Involves the production of plants from vegetative parts (like stems, roots, or
leaves). The offspring are genetically identical to the parent.

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7. Factors Affecting Seed Propagation
7.1. External Factors:
1. Water:
o Adequate moisture is crucial for seed germination.
2. Oxygen:
o Seeds require oxygen for respiration, which provides energy for growth.
3. Temperature:
o Each species has an optimum temperature range for germination. Too low or
too high temperatures can inhibit germination.
4. Light:
o Some seeds require light to germinate, while others need darkness.
Photoreceptor molecules in seeds are sensitive to light.
5. Soil:
o The type of soil (clay, loam, sandy) and its water retention properties can
impact germination.
7.2. Internal Factors:
1. Seed Dormancy:
o Some seeds have dormancy mechanisms (hard seed coats, chemical inhibitors)
that prevent germination until conditions are ideal.
2. Seed Viability:
o Over time, seeds lose viability, i.e., their ability to germinate decreases.
3. Nutrient Reserves:
o The quantity and quality of food reserves (endosperm or cotyledons) in the
seed determine the seedling’s early growth potential.

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