Dicot seed

Exercise: Dicot seed

Aim: To study and identify the Dicot seed

Principle: The fertilized ovule is called seed and possesses an embryo, endosperm and a protective coat. Seeds may be endospermous or non endospermous.

Requirements: Chick pea, bowl, water

Soak the seeds of chick pea or gram in water for 2 – 3 hours. Drain the water and place the seeds in a moist cotton cloth for 2 – 3 days. Observe for germination. Select some sprouted seeds, observe under a dissection microscope and record the parts.

Diagnostic Features

·        Seeds of gram have two cotyledons and an embryonal axis.

·        Each seed is covered by two seed coats (a) Testa – outer coat and (b) Tegmen – inner coat.

·        The embryonal axis consists of radicle and plumule.

·        The portion of the embryonal axis above the level of cotyledons is called epicotyl. It terminates into the plumule.

·        The portion of the embryonal axis below the level of cotyledons is called hypocotyl. It terminates into the radicle or root tip.