How Does a Seed Develop Into a Plant?
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The Parent Plant Produces a Seed
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Every seed has an embryo, which is like a miniature plant in waiting. The embryo has the potential to form all parts of a mature plant, including stem, root structure, and leaves. The embryo is inactive until conditions are right for germination, which is the period when the embryo starts to grow. The embryo is protected by the seed coat, which prevents water from entering the seed before conditions are right for germination.
The Seed is Dispersed
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Seeds can be dispersed in a variety of ways. They can be blown away by the wind or carried on water currents. Some plants actually eject their seeds, causing them to burst away from the parent plant. Some plants depend on animals to disperse their seed. When birds or other animals eat fruit, they also are carrying away its seeds, which will pass through their digestive system at another location. Other seeds have barbs which attach themselves to passing animals, so that when they are eventually brushed off, they may land in a place where conditions are right for growth.
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The Seed Finds the Right Conditions
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In order to grow, seed requires a place with right temperature, and water and oxygen. Some seeds must be exposed to the sun, though not every kind of seed requires sunlight in order to germinate.
The Seed Takes Up Water
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When conditions are right, the seed starts to takes up water through the seed coat. This triggers the embryo to use the seed's stored energy. Most seeds have their store of food in the endosperm, which can contain proteins, carbohydrates or fat.
The Seed Opens
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As the seed continues to absorb water, pressure builds until the seed bursts open. The radicle, which is the first plant part to emerge from the seed, develops into a root which grows downward in its attempt to get more water and minerals.
A Shoot Emerges
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A shoot, called a plumule, starts to grow up towards the light and the air. A structure in the embryo called the cotyledon emerges above the ground to form the first true leaves of the plant called the seed leaves.
The Cycle Continues
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Growing towards the sun allows the plant's leaves to capture energy through photosynthesis. If the plant's needs for sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide are met, it will grow and thrive until it matures and produces seeds of its own.
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References
- Photo Credit joka2000/Flickr.com
