Seed

A seed is the matured ovule of a flowering plant. It is formed after the process of pollination and fertilization takes place. The seed is enclosed within a protective coat and contains all the necessary nutrients and genetic material required for the growth of a new plant. One of the important functions of a seed is to store food for the baby plant until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis. Let's understand this in detail:

1. Structure of a Seed:
- Seed Coat: The outer protective covering of a seed is called the seed coat. It provides protection against mechanical injury, pathogens, and drying out.
- Embryo: The baby plant that is enclosed within the seed coat is called the embryo. It consists of an embryonic root (radicle), an embryonic shoot (plumule), and one or two cotyledons (seed leaves).
- Endosperm: In some seeds, there is a tissue called endosperm that surrounds the embryo. It is rich in nutrients and serves as the food reserve for the developing embryo.

2. Food Storage in Seeds:
- Endosperm: In many plants, the endosperm is the primary storage tissue for food in the seed. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids that provide nourishment to the developing embryo.
- Cotyledons: In some plants, the cotyledons store food instead of the endosperm. These cotyledons are thick and fleshy and serve as a nutrient source for the germinating seedling.

3. Germination and Food Utilization:
- When a seed germinates, it absorbs water and swells, causing the seed coat to rupture.
- The embryo starts to grow, and the stored food reserves are utilized for its growth and development.
- The cotyledons or endosperm provide the necessary energy and nutrients until the seedling can establish roots and leaves for photosynthesis.

In conclusion, the seed stores food for the baby plant in the form of endosperm or cotyledons. This stored food helps in the initial growth and development of the seedling until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis.