EXPERIMENT NO.

15
AIM To identify the different parts of an embrvo of a dicot seed (pea, gram or re
Ridney bean).

Theory
After pollination, the pollen grains reach the ovary where fusion of male and female gametes (haploid)
place. This process is called fertilisation. As a result of fertilisation, a zygote (diploid) is formed
The zygote divides several times to form an embryo in the ovule. Manychanges further take place that
lead to an ovule turning i n t o a seed and the ovary turning into a fruit in which the seed is protected.
oase note that the seeds of gymnosperms are not protected inside a fruit.)
seed, therefore, is a fertilised ovule. It contains a seed coat, an embryo (the future plant) and cotyledon
food stored for the embryo). Plants of monocots (such as maize and grass) bear single cotyledon and
those of dicots (such as pea, gram and red kidney bean)
bear two cotyledons. The seed coat is impermeable and seed coat-
the embryo is dormant. This helps a seed to tide over
unfavourable seasons. Under appropriate conditions, the embryo
plumule
seed develops into a seedling. This process is known as cotyledon
radicle
germination. The embryonic tip nat grows to form the
shoot system of the plant is known as the plumule and
the embryonic tip that grows to form the root system of
the plant is called the radicle.
FIGURE 25. A dicot seed

Materials Required
Gram seeds, beaker, cotton cloth, water, wet cloth, and a pair of forceps

Procedure
1. Take some gram seeds and soak them overnight in a beaker containing water.
2. Drain off the water and wipe the seeds with the help of a cotton cloth.
Leave the wiped seeds on a wet cloth for a day. Ensure that they do not dry up.
4The seeds will become soft. Open a seed carefully with the help of your thumbs (or you can also
use a
pair of forceps).
observations.
berve the different parts of the seed and record your

Observation
Thee seeds swell up and become soft on soaking in Water. Ihe seed coat can, therefore, be easily

removed.
and a short embryonal axis to which
we can see two cotyledons the
the seed coat is removed,
Cotyledons are attached.
he embryo consists of a radicle anda plumule.

Cass 10 133
 Conclusion
1. The gram seed has two cotyledons.
of the gram seed has a plumule and a radicle. On germination, the radicle emeros
erges
2. The embryo
first, followed by the plumule.

Precautions
1. Choose healthy seeds.
2. Ensure that the seeds are completely immersed in water.
3. Make sure that the cloth is damp so that the seeds do not dry up.
Remove the seed coat and open the cotyledons with utmost care ensuring that the embryonal axis
4
does not get detached from the cotyledons.

- VrVa VocE QUESTIONS

Q1. What is a seed? Ans. Tomato, green beans and sesame seeds
Ans. A seed is the reproductive unit of the plant Q7. Which structure stores the carbohydrates in
formed from fertilised ovule containing a dicot seeds?
protective coat, stored food and an embryo. Ans. Cotyledons
Q2. Which part of the embryo gives rise to the Q8. Name the single cell that gives rise to an
root? embryo in angiosperms.
Ans. Radicle Ans. Zygote
03. Which part of the embryo gives rise to the Q9. How many seed coats are generally present
shoot? in a seed?
Ans. Plumule Ans. Two. The outer one is called a testa and the
Q4. Name the food reserve of an embryo. inner one is called a tegmen.
Ans. Cotyledons Q10. What is an embryo?
Q5. What is the part of the shoot above the Ans. An embryo is the future plant present in the
cotyledons called? seed. It has two main parts:
Ans. Epicotyl (a) plumule (b) radicle
Q6. Name any three plant food items containing
seeds that are cdible.