Seeds: The Beginning of New Plants

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Seeds: The Beginning of New Plants

What do you already know about the structure of seeds?

Learning Objective

At the end of this lesson you will be able to describe the structure and function of seeds, with examples of both dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous seeds.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

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What is a Seed?

A seed is a fertilised ovule containing an embryo and stored food. It consists of a protective seed coat and the embryo, which gives rise to a new plant when conditions are favourable.

Structure of a Dicotyledonous Seed

Dicot seeds, like beans or peas, have two cotyledons. They contain a seed coat, hilum, micropyle, cotyledons (with stored food), and the embryonal axis, which includes the radicle and plumule.

Structure of a Monocotyledonous Seed

Monocot seeds, like maize, usually have one cotyledon and a large endosperm. The seed coat is fused with the fruit wall. The embryo has a scutellum, plumule with coleoptile, and radicle with coleorhiza.

Comparing Dicot and Monocot Seeds

Monocotyledonous

Two cotyledons, broad leaves, vascular bundles in a ring. Example: pea.

Dicotyledonous

One cotyledon, narrow leaves, scattered vascular bundles. Example: maize.

Check Your Understanding (AfL)

Can you label the main parts of a seed shown in a diagram? Which part stores food in dicots and monocots?

Differentiated Task

Challenge: Sketch and label a dicot seed and a monocot seed. Extension: Explain how their structures help the young plant grow.

Plenary: Reflect and Recall

Think: What is the main difference between dicot and monocot seeds? How does the structure of a seed help its survival?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.