Seed Structure and Germination

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Fruit is the enlarged ripened ovary. The ovarian wall forms the fruit wall, which encloses the seed. Fruit protects the seed and helps in seed dispersal. Examples include mango and pea pod.

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Seed is the ripened ovule. It contains an embryo that develops into a new plant. The seed coat protects the embryo from mechanical damage. Examples include bean seed and pea seed.

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A grain is actually a one-seeded fruit. In maize and wheat, the fruit wall and the seed coat are fused together to form a protective layer. So a grain is not a true seed, even though it is commonly ca…

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A dry seed contains a dormant embryo. It is inactive and appears lifeless, but slow life processes continue inside it. The seed uses oxygen and gives out carbon dioxide in very small amounts and also …

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Germination is the process of formation of a seedling developed from the embryo. It begins when the dormant embryo becomes active and starts growing.

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A fresh seed normally does not germinate at once because it must pass through a period of dormancy. During this time, it undergoes physiological maturation before it can start germinating.

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Water, suitable temperature, and oxygen are necessary for germination. Without these, the embryo cannot start active growth.

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Water makes the seed swell and helps the seed coat rupture so that the radicle can come out. Water also helps enzymes act on stored food so it can be used by the growing embryo.