Dispersal, Dormancy and Germination Seeds, Dispersal, Dormancy and Germination

Seed Formation A seed consists of A dormant plant embryo A food reserve A protective coat Each fertilised ovule develops into a seed Endospermous seeds the food reserve is outside the embryo as triploid endosperm e.g. rice, maize Non-endospermous seeds the food reserve is within the leaves of the plant embryo e.g. broad beans, peas 2

Seed Formation (contd) Embryo sac and ovule grow ~ 500 times bigger Triploid endosperm nucleus divides by mitosis to form endosperm The endosperm (3n) is a food rich tissue which nourishes the developing plant embryo The diploid plant embryo is formed by mitosis and cell division of the diploid zygote 3

Seed Formation (contd) Embryo stops growing and becomes dormant It loses up to 90% of its water The micropyle closes Hard protective coat (testa) forms from the integuments A seed has formed NB: The male gamete doesn’t supply any mitochondria or chloroplasts – extrachromosomal inheritance is via the egg cell 4

Seed Structure A seeds consists of a plant embryo and a food reserve contained within a protective coat (the testa). The food reserve may be In the endosperm (as in endospermous seeds) e.g. Maize, Castor Beans. In the cotyledon (as in non-endospermous seeds) e.g. Broad Beans. 5

Non-endospermous Seed Endospermous Seed 6

Functions of the Parts of the Seeds Part of the Seed Function Embryo Whole dormant immature plant inside the seed Radicle Part of the embryo which will become the roots of the plant after germination Plumule Part of the embryo which will become the shoots (stems, leaves etc.) of the plant after germination Cotyledon This is a “leaf” of the embryo which can be a food reserve (in non-endospermous seeds) or absorb nutrients from the endosperm for growth of the during germination (in endospermous seeds) Testa Protective coating of the seed, formed from the integuments of the ovule. 7

Fruit formation A fruit is a fertilised, ripened, ovary of a flower which contains the seeds. The fruit protects the seed and helps in dispersal. A tomato is a true fruit, so is a grape. The inner area of an apple or a pear is a fruit, which is contained within the outer sweet flesh of the pear This outer area is a “false fruit” or swollen receptacle. 8

Seedless Fruit Some are seedless varieties, and this is due to genetics oranges: pollination occurs but fertilisation doesn’t occur bananas: fertilisation occurs but seeds don’t develop Spraying with plant growth regulators Auxin can stimulate fruit formation without fertilisation 9

Seed Dispersal Dispersal is the transfer of a seed away from the parent plant Reasons for dispersal Avoids competition with each other and parents Finding new areas to colonise Increases chances of survival of larger numbers of plants 10

Wind Dispersal Tiny light seeds e.g. Orchids `Parachutes’ for increased air travel time e.g. Dandelion, Thistle Fruit with wings e.g. Sycamore 11

Water dispersal Air-filled fruits which can float Large distances can be covered Seeds can travel by river and streams e.g. Water lilies Seeds can even travel on the open sea to other land masses e.g sea-beans, coconuts 12

Animal Dispersal Animals can travel long distances Animals often live in places where seeds can germinate (e.g. underground) 2 types of Fruits Hooked or barbed fruits e.g. Burdock, goose grass Edible fruits e.g. Tomato, Blackberry, Acorns 13

Self Dispersal Explosive structures, catapults etc. Examples: Peas Gorse Poppies 14

Dormancy Dormancy is a resting period when seeds undergo no growth and have reduced cell activity or metabolism, even though the environmental conditions are suitable for growth. 15

Causes of Dormancy Growth inhibitors in the outer parts of the seed Testa is too thick to allow water or oxygen in. Growing embryo can’t get out during germination because the testa is too tough. A lack of growth regulators promoters (auxins). 16

Breaking Dormancy Sometimes dormancy is broken by soaking or scraping softens or breaks the testa Often a cold period is needed to break dormancy breaks down the growth inhibitors causing the dormancy stimulates the production of growth promoters Light or warmth (e.g. in spring) may stimulate production of growth promoters 17

Advantages of Dormancy Allows the embryo time to develop Allows time for seed dispersal Helps plant avoid winter conditions The plant grows during the spring and summer months optimum conditions for growth Duration of dormancy varies Staggered germinations allows seed banks to develop in the soil 18

Dormancy in Agriculture Some seeds may need to be treated in a certain way to break dormancy. Delayed and staggered germination is a disadvantage in horticulture.

Germination Germination is the start of the process of an embryo developing into a adult plant. Germination is the regrowth of the embryo, after a period of dormancy, if the environmental conditions are suitable. Dormancy causes the embryo to halt its growth. Germination means that this growth resumes. 20

Conditions for Germination Water necessary for enzymes to work Oxygen necessary for respiration Suitable temperature Dormancy must be finished and the need for light or darkness varies from plant to plant. 21

Steps in Germination Preparation Digestion Respiration Growth Photosynthesis

Steps in Germination I Water and oxygen is absorbed through the micropyle. This activates enzymes which digest Fats → Glycerol and Fatty Acids Starch → Sugars Proteins → Peptides and amino acids The products of digestion are moved to the embryo. 23

Steps in Germination II Embryo undergoes rapid metabolism fuelled by the products of digestion. Aerobic respiration results in the food reserve getting used up. Mass of the seed drops as carbon dioxide is produced and diffuses out of the cell.

Stages in Germination III Cell growth and division Differentiation of cells into tissues and organs Root system from the radicle Shoot system from the plumule Photosynthesis begins as shoots and leaves develop Finally, the mass of the seedling increases when rate of photosynthesis > rate of respiration

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