VI
VI
VI
Questions
1. What is the difference between a monocot and a dicot seed?
Monocots only has one seed leaf or cotyledon inside the seed coat while dicots have two. The
endosperms of monocots are not inside the seed leaf thus why the embryonic leaf is thin.
Dicots on the other hand has its endosperm inside the seed coat resulting in rounded and
fat seed leaf.
2. In which part of the corn kernel is starch stored?
The main storage for starch in a corn kernel is the endosperm.
3. What is a cotyledon? What are the functions of a cotyledon?
Cotyledons are the tiny leaves inside a seed that emerges first during germination. They
provide initial growth and energy source in a newly grown plant.
4. What is the hilum of the seed? A micropyle? What purposes do they serve?
The hilum is a scar on the seed coat marking where the seed was attached. It protects the
embryo and the endosperm from drying and from physical injury whereas micropyle is the
pore in the seed coat that helps to absorb water at the time of germination of the seed.
5. What happens to the endosperm after applying iodine solution?
The endosperm become stained and more visible under the microscope.
VII. Conclusion
The seed is composed of several parts where its location varies depending on its type:
monocot or dicot. Seed coat is the outermost cover of a seed. If it is a monocot, the
endosperm is separated from the embryo. Dicots on the other hand, have the endosperm
contained inside if the embryo. The two parts play a huge role in the initial growth of a
plant. Other components of both types of plant that is inside the embryo are epicotyl,
radicle and cotyledon.
SEED GERMINATION
INTRODUCTION
Seed germination is the process of seeds developing into new plants. The environmental
conditions must trigger the seed to grow. This is determined by how deep the seed is planted,
water availability, and temperature.
Objectives
1. To demonstrate the different types of seed germination
2. To describe the factors affecting seed germination
Materials
Seeds of ampalaya, peanuts, corn and palay
Methods
1. Soaked the seeds of ampalaya, peanut, corn and palay overnight, then wrapped in
cotton or tissue paper.
2. Kept moist for 3 or 4 days and observed if the seeds have germinated.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Fill out the following table:
In Epigeal germination, the hypocotyl elongates rapidly and arches upwards pulling the
cotyledons which move above the soil. Examples of Bean, cotton, papaya, gourd, castor and
onion have germination of this kind. On the other hand, the hypogeal germination is when the
epicotyl elongates and the cotyledons remain below the soil. Seeds like Pea, mango, maize,
rice, gram and groundnut have germination of this kind.
CONCLUSION
Water, air and suitable temperature are necessary for seed germination. There are two specific
types of seed germination namely, epigeal and hypogeal germination. The two differentiate in
terms of the position and direction where the cotyledons elongate to.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
1. In which type of germination do cotyledons remain below the soil and surfaces?
In Hypogeal germination, the cotyledons remain below the soil. The epicotyl elongates and the
cotyledon grows beneath the soil and examples of which are pea, mango, corn and rice. This is
also called underground germination.
2. What are some environmental factors that may favor seed germination?
Water, air and suitable temperature are necessary for seed germination. Seedlings generally
need to be kept moist but not wet. Most seeds will not germinate in saturated (waterlogged) soil.
Seeds and the seedlings they produce need to breath. Seedlings need a substrate to germinate.
Some seeds germinate just fine in the dark while other seeds need light to break dormancy.
Some seeds require heat for germination. Seeds contain stored nutrients, so generally seeds
don’t need additional nutrients to germinate, however young seedlings do.
3. What plant hormone induces dormancy in seeds?
Induction and release of seed dormancy is mainly under the control of abscisic acid. Seed
dormancy is an adaptive trait that improves survival of the next generation by optimizing the
distribution of germination over time. It regulates events during seed formation, such as the
deposition of storage reserves, prevention of precocious germination, acquisition of desiccation
tolerance, and induction of primary dormancy.
4. Why are cotyledons also called seed leaves?
Cotyledons are called seed leaves because they form within the seed. With this, they act as the
leaves of the seed during germination. The leaves provide food for the plant and so does the
cotyledon as it provides food for the germinating seed.