Seeds are very important as they grow into new plants. Let us study about a seed and its parts. To study a seed, we have to first soak it overnight because once it soaks in water it swells up and is easier to examine.
Parts of a Seed:
The outer covering of the seed is seed coat. It protects the seed just like our skin protects parts of our body. A small scar on the side of the seed marks the spot where the seed was attached to the fruit. The scar has a small hole above it. It is from here that water enters the seed.
If we split the seed, we will see that it has two seed leaves. Some seeds like that of corn have only one seed leaf. In between these leaves is the tiny shoot and root that make the seedling or new baby plant.
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Germination:
If the seed gets enough water, air and right temperature, a new plant starts growing from it. The root emerges first and starts growing downwards. Soon afterwards, the shoot starts growing. This growing of seedling from a seed is called germination. For germination to take place, a seed must get plenty of water, sunlight and suitable temperature.
The seed leaves provide nourishment and protection to the baby plant. Most plants like morning glory, peas, lady’s finger, mango tree, guava tree, balsam, etc., reproduce from seeds.