The fertilised ovule now develops into a seed that encloses and protects the embryo and endosperm
the tissue around the ovule hardens to form the testa (seed coat)
embryo develops one or two cotyledons that store reserves food
The cotyledons absorb nutrients from the endosperm
In the seeds of monocotyledonous species, reserve food is mainly stored in the endosperm
Usually has only one small cotyledon which then transfers this reserve food to the developing embryo (seedling)
in the seeds of dicotyledonous species, most of the reserve food is stored in two large cotyledons, surrounded by a small amount of endosperm
Monocotyledonous and Dicotyledonous seeds are: Monocotyledonous seeds are endosperm-less and have a single seed coat. Dicotyledonous seeds are endosperm-filled and have two seed coats.
the ovary are the fertilised ovule develops into a fruit that protects the developing seed
the fruit either opens of is eaten to release the seeds. Seeds are dispersed by wind, water, insects or animals
Germination only occurs when the seed absorbs water
The testa swells and bursts open
the embryo plant grows out of the seed to form a young seedling
the radicle gives rise to the root system and the plumule gives rise to the stem of the new vegetative plant
cotyledons function as leaves to provide food until the first leaves develop
Germination of a seed is the process by which a seed develops into a plant.
