SEED AND GERMINATION

Seed structure

Cotyledon

Plumule

Seed coat or Radicle

testa

Micropyle
Endospermous and non-
Endospermous seeds
• Takes place in the fruit on the parent plant
• Endospermous seeds: Retain the endosperm tissue,
and is surrounded by a layer of living cells, the
aleurone layer.

• Non-endospermous seeds: The endosperm tissue is

absorbed by the cotyledons. The cotyledons then
become the food reserve for the seed.
Endospermous or non-
Endospermous seeds?
Endospermous and non-
Endospermous seeds

A LS of maize grain / fruit

 Stages leading to cell division
Respiration
Mitchondria
Initially Soluble sugars
reconstituted
anaerobic
ATP
Later aerobic
RNA activated

Protein synthesis (0.5h)

Enzymes (proteins)

DNA synthesis (45h)

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
Mitosis (70h)
Process: Seed Germination
5. Hydrated starch moves to the
cotyledon and radicle to initiate
growth