1. Seeds and Germination

2. Parts of a Seed

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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