Seed Structure and Function

Overview

• Seeds are reproductive structures containing a baby plant (embryo) and food reserves for growth.

Parts of a Seed

• Testa: The hard outer cover that protects the embryo inside the seed.
• Cotyledon(s):
  • The part of the seed inside the testa that stores food for the embryo until it can photosynthesize.
  • Can have one or two cotyledons.
• Embryo:
  • The tiny baby plant inside the seed.
  • Composed of two parts: radical and plumule.

Embryo Components

• Radical:
  • The embryonic root that develops into the root system of the plant.
• Plumule:
  • The embryonic shoot that develops into the shoot of the plant.
  • Typically has two visible leaves with a growing point between them.

Additional Features

• Helium (or Eye):
  • A scar on the seed coat from its previous attachment to the ovary wall.
• Micropyle:
  • A tiny hole in the testa opposite the tip of the radical.
  • Allows water to enter the seed.

Conclusion

• Summary of seed parts and their functions.
• Encouragement to engage with the content: like, comment, share, and subscribe for more videos.
• Follow on social media for more content.