Seeds and Germination

Parts of a Seed

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

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

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