SEED AND FRUIT

Companion plant

A plant that is grown alongside another plant to enhance growth, deter pests, or improve flavor.

Seed

A reproductive structure that can develop into a new plant, typically containing an embryo and stored nutrients.

Seed coat

The protective outer layer of a seed that shields the embryo and cotyledons from damage and dehydration.

Radicle

The part of a seed embryo that develops into the primary root of the plant.

Hypocotyl

The part of a seedling that is located between the radicle (root) and the cotyledons (seed leaves), responsible for stem development.

Epicotyl

The part of the seedling above the cotyledons that will form the leaves and stem.

Cotyledon

The first leaves that develop from a seed, which often serve as a source of nutrition for the plant until true leaves form.

First leaves

The initial true leaves that appear on a seedling, following the cotyledons.

Sporophyte

The multi-cellular phase in the life cycle of plants that produces spores and is typically the dominant form.

Gametophyte

The haploid phase in the plant life cycle that produces gametes (sperm and eggs).

Angiosperm

A group of flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in fruits.

Gymnosperm

A group of seed-producing plants that do not form flowers or fruits, and their seeds are often exposed.

Flower

The reproductive structure of angiosperms, which contains the plant's reproductive organs.

Stigma

The part of the pistil where pollen germinates and is a key component of flower reproduction.

Style

The stalk of the pistil that connects the stigma to the ovary.

Ovary

The part of the flower that contains ovules and develops into fruit after fertilization.

Ovule

The structure within the ovary that develops into a seed after fertilization.

Pistil

The female reproductive part of a flower, composed of the stigma, style, and ovary.

Anther

The part of the stamen that produces and releases pollen.

Filament

The long stalk that supports the anther in a flower.

Stamen

The male reproductive part of a flower that produces pollen, consisting of the anther and filament.

Sepal

The protective outer parts of a flower that enclose the petals and are usually green.

Petal

The colorful parts of a flower that attract pollinators.

Abiotic

Non-living components of the environment, such as water, sunlight, and minerals.

Biotic

Living components of the environment, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Seed germination

The process by which a seed develops into a new plant, beginning when it absorbs water.

Endosperm

The nutrient-rich tissue that supports the developing embryo in a seed.

Embryo

The young, developing plant within a seed.

Funiculus

The stalk that connects the ovule to the ovary wall.

Hilum

The scar on a seed where it was attached to the ovule.

Micropyle

A small opening in the seed coat that allows water to enter during germination.

Monocotyledon

A type of flowering plant that has one cotyledon in the seed.

Dicotyledon

A type of flowering plant that has two cotyledons in the seed.