Types of Seed

Do all fruits contain seeds? No, triploid fruits do not. The seed is a fertilized mature ovule which possess an embryonic plant, usually stores food material and has a protective coat. After fertilization, changes occur in various parts of the ovule and transforms into a seed.

Types of Seed

Do seeds germinate as soon as they are dispersed

I.         Based on the number of cotyledons present two types of seeds are recognized.

   i.          Dicotyledonous seed: Seed with two cotyledons.

   ii.        Monocotyledonous seed: Seed with one cotyledon.

II.      Based on the presence or absence of the endosperm the seed is of two types.

   i. Albuminous or Endospermous seed: The cotyledons are thin, membranous and mature seeds have endosperm persistent and nourishes the seedling during its early development. Example: Castor, sunflower, maize.

   ii.        Ex-albuminous or non-endospermous seed: Food is utilized by the developing embryo and so the mature seeds are without endosperm. In such seeds, colyledons store food and become thick and fleshy. Example: Pea, Groundnut.