In general, we all know what a seed is: that hard part in most fruits that, if sown in appropriate conditions, can lead to a new plant. And although a definition as basic and simple as this is correct in the vast majority of cases, the truth is that these small treasures of evolution are of enormous importance in a very large part of the plant kingdom, so it is worth stopping to observe them and know them in depth.
If you want to learn more about What are the seedswhat is its function, its parts and the types that are, accompany us in this article of Ecology Verde.
What are the seeds – definition
If we seek to give a more accurate definition, a seed is a part of flower plants (or phanerogams), which is usually found in the inside of the fruit and that has inside the embryo that, under favorable circumstances, can give rise to a new plant.
In addition, the seed is the result of the sexual reproduction of the plant, so the new specimen that grows will be slightly different from the plants from which it has arisen. The seed contains, in addition to the embryo, nutrients for this, as we will see later.
Seed function
The seeds meet in the sperm exactly the same function as eggs in oviparous animals. They are their way of spreading and growing its population. The main difference with this system in animals, plants do not have their freedom of displacement or many of their abilities. Because of this, they have had to develop different ways of colonizing new territories. The seeds contained in the fruits or flowers are one of the most successful results of this career for survival.
Most fruits tend to house seeds inside. When the fruit falls to the ground, or when it is consumed by an animal, the seeds end up reaching the earth, scattered by the action of the elements, such as the wind, or of the animals themselves. Many seeds are still able to germinate even after having passed through the entire digestive system of an animal, thus contributing to propagation by land distant to the plant of origin.
In addition, part of the importance of the seed lies in its ability to delay its “birth” or germination until the circumstances are adequate. A seed that falls to the ground when the temperature or humidity conditions are not adequate, if they are not germinated until they improve.
Many of them can spend long periods of time in waiting, protected by its outer layer until the time of the Seed germination. This distinction, which might seem small, is a great increase in the chances of success of the future plant.
There are many Types of seedsthat different strategies follow to achieve as effective as possible, but all of them seek to meet this same objective.
Parts of the seed
From outside the seeds may seem compact and homogeneous, but inside you can distinguish several very well differentiated parts. These are the main parts of the seed:
- Embryo: The embryo is, as in animals, the very small plant from which the new specimen will take place. It is contained inside the seed in lethargic state, waiting for the time to germinate. Within the embryo 4 parts are distinguished:
- Radicle: It is the first root of the embryo. From it all other roots of the plant will arise.
- Plumule: A yolk, at the end faced with the radicle.
- Hypocotil: The space between the previous two parts. When it grows, it will form a stem.
- Cotyledon: It can be only one or two, depending on whether silver is monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous. They are the first leaves of the plant, which are not true leaves as such. Here we explain more about what a cotyledon, its characteristics and functions is and in this other post you can know what monocotyledonous plants and examples are.
- Endosperm: This occupies most of the volume of the seed, and is a reserve of nutrients and food so that the embryo feeds on its early stages of development. It is usually mainly composed of starch. It is also called Albumen.
- Episperm: It is the outer layer, which in many cases is hard and isolates the embryo and endosperm of predators and threats.
Learn more about the parts of the seed and its functions with this other ecology article.
Types of seeds
There is one A large number of types of seedsthat current agriculture has differentiated according to its uses and profits. These are some of the main ones:
- Creole: Creole seeds are those that have adapted to a given environment, either by intervention of man or by natural selection. They are typical of organic and traditional farming.
- Improved: As the name implies, they are seeds that have gone through different selection processes and techniques, such as controlled pollination, to optimize certain characteristics.
- Baby: These have been modified so that the plant does not develop completely, producing more tender and sweet plants.
- Hybrids: Hybrid seeds are the fruit of crossing two different varieties. They are usually very strong plants and with great production and growth capacity.
If you want to read more articles similar to Seeds: What are and typeswe recommend that you enter our biology category.
