knowledge unlocks a world of possibilities The Robinson Library knowledge unlocks a world of possibilities
The Robinson Library About The Library Sitemap Terms of Use Contact Information Help

Science. Botany. Plant Anatomy.      

Seed Parts

There are two main types of seeds -- naked and enclosed. All cone-bearing plants have naked, or uncovered, seeds. The seeds of these plants develop on the upper side of the scales that form their cones. All flowering plants have seeds enclosed by an ovary. The ovaries of such plants as apples, berries, and grapes develop into a fleshy fruit. In other plants, including beans and peas, the ovaries form a dry fruit. Still other plants have aggregate fruits. Each tiny section of an aggregate fruit, such as a raspberry, develops from a separate ovary and has its own seed.

seed parts

Seeds consists of three main parts: (1) the seed coat, (2) the embryo, and (3) the endosperm. The seed coat, or outer skin, protects the embryo, which contains all the parts needed to form a new plant. The endosperm nourishes the embryo until it can make its own food. The endosperm of a monocot contains one cotyledon, and that of a dicot has two cotyledons.

Questions or comments about this page?


World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago:World Book-Childcraft International, Inc., 1979.



Grapes


This page was last updated on 08/17/2009.

THE ROBINSON LIBRARY
Science.--Botany.--Plant Anatomy.

About The Library | Sitemap | Terms of Use | Contact Information | Navigation Help