A seed is actually an embryo enclosed in a thin outer shell. The actual formation of this seed inside an ovary is a function of the reproductive process in seed plants, such as the gymnosperm and the angiosperm plant types. The flower bud of each species is covered with a single set of seed coat that consists of several sets of chromosomes, or classes of cells, which determine the characteristics of each flower. Seeds are enclosed inside a thin protective membrane called a cuticle. Seeds can be further classified into two forms, wet and dry.
Wet seeds have been developed from the ovules that have already matured. The pollen contains the enzymes that can aid in germination, as well as the alkaloids. These can also serve as food for other insects that live around the flower bud. The pollen contains a high concentration of alkaloids that can act as an aid for plant pollination by breaking down the dense outer coating of pollen grains and releasing the potent nectar that contains the enzymes that help germinate seedlings.
Dry seed leaves have not yet developed, and are enclosed in tough plaques that protect them from being damaged by grazing animals. The seed leaf consists of two layers: the cuticle layer and the cortex, which are the hard outer layers. The cuticle layer is made of dead skin cells and exfoliates the seed from the embryo. The cortex is the innermost layer of the seed and is made of protein. The size of a seed leaf can determine its weight, and a larger seed leaf will result in a bigger embryo. The seed leaf is also a major factor in determining the flowering period of the species.
All seed coats are made up of a combination of keratin proteins. Keratin is a major component in nails, hair, skin, bones, and organs. When it forms seed coat structures, it protects the outer membrane of the embryo from damage. There are two types of seed coat, and they are called rhizomes or capillaries and tunicates or capillary buds. Rhizomes are thicker than capillaries. While most seed coats are similar, the composition of the seed coat is dependent on the species.
In some species, the seed coat is a jelly-like material that coats the embryo. It is released during cell division and is sometimes called the amniotic fluid. In other species, the gel-like material that forms around the zygote is filled with digestive fluids and secretes a semi-solid plug to hold the zygote in place. In rare species in the semi-solid plug can be coated with a wax coating to help seal the embryo and prevent it from falling out.
Dicot seed coat is thicker and has a longer life span than non-dicot seed coats. The reason is because dicot seed coat cannot break down as quickly as non-dicot seed coats. However, they tend to be more expensive than non-dicot seed coats. Also, they tend to last longer, thus, having a greater life span.
Cotyledon seed coat is a tough, white, waxy protein that is produced by the cotyledon embryo and it protects the inner cells of the embryo from damage. The outer membrane of the cotyledon contains the Cotyledon membrane receptor, which is responsible for preventing damage to the cells and tissues around the embryo. Cotyledon contains a long chain of amino acids, which when combined with other amino acids to produce a polypeptide. This polypeptide is transferred to the placenta after conception and makes its way into the developing egg. The membrane in the placenta is designed to protect the developing baby’s tissues from damage.
There are many different types of monocot plant life. A few of the common monocot seeds are tallifolia, eucalyptus, iris, jasmine, lily, mums, orange, petunia, prickly pears, squash, strawberry, sunflower and watermelons. Monocot seeds have high sugar content and therefore, they need to be stored carefully. Monocot flowers contain a large number of seeds and therefore, this species is also known as a diploid seed. The flowers of monocot are usually yellow, pink, orange or white and have a tubular shape.