Seeds and Germination

1
Seeds and Germination
2
Parts of a Seed
3
Functions of Seed Parts
Part of Seed Function
Seed Coat Protects the seed
Cotyledon Food (starch) for the seed embryo during germination
Radicle Becomes the roots first part of the seed embryo to grow
Hypocotyl Grows to become the stem
Epicotyl Grows to become the leaves
4
Germination

• Why does the radicle grow first from the seed?
• The radicle emerges first to anchor the seedling
  and absorb water
• Why does the hypocotyl grow next and not the
  epicotyl?
• The hypocotyl grows to pull the seed out of the
  soil before the delicate leaves begin to grow

5
Can a seed embryo grow without its cotyledons?

• Discuss how you could design an experiment to
  test the importance of the cotyledons to seed
  embryo growth
• Materials
• Bean seeds
• Tissue paper
• Petri dishes