Each plant has a seed, due to which its reproduction occurs. What is the structure of the seeds of apple, pumpkin and sunflower? What are the similarities and differences between them, read the article.
The structure of the seed of apple, pumpkin or sunflower
These plants are dicotyledonous. Outside they are covered with a dense cover called the peel. It protects the seed from damage, drying out, germs and sprouting ahead of schedule. The seed has a small hole called the ejaculatory. It is necessary for water to enter. When the seeds germinate poorly, you need to check them. The seed can be overgrown, you need to slightly tuck it.
The structure of the seeds of apple, pumpkin and sunflower is similar. The seed germ has two cotyledons located opposite each other. Between them there is a germinal stem, on which the formation of rudimentary leaves occurs directly in the embryo. The stem with leaves form a bud. She is the germ of the main shoot. The composition of the seed includes the spine. The embryo has an axis. At its apex there is a kidney and symmetrically located cotyledons filled with cells with a large supply of nutrition.
The fact is that the endosperm is absorbed by the embryo, the accumulation of food reserves now occurs in the latter. It will be used when the seed begins to germinate. Cotyledons are endowed with three conductive bunches that will be carried out to the surface of the soil. Seed fractions are the first mutated leaves.
Similarity in seed structure
The structure of the seeds of apple and sunflower is similar. It consists in the fact that in both plants the embryo has a root, stem, and kidney. They have two cotyledons, each containing a supply of food. Seeds have an internal arrangement in the fruit.
Pumpkin and sunflower are similar in that in these plants cotyledons come to the surface of the soil in the same way. They have curved submedicular knees that help the cotyledons come out.
Differences in seed structure
Seeds of apple and sunflower vary, although they belong to the same type of plants by the structure of the seed. The difference is that the fruit of the apple tree is juicy and has many seeds. In sunflower, it is dry, with one seed.
If we consider the seeds of apple and pumpkin, their structure is different. Nutrients in the apple accumulate in the endosperm, and in the pumpkin - in the cotyledons. Seeds vary in size: apple - small, pumpkin - large.
Sprouting apple seed
First of all, you should consider in which region the fruit tree will grow. Accordingly, seeds should be taken from an apple grown in this climate. For example, southern varieties will not survive in harsh climates.
The structure of the apple tree seed is such that it is not immediately able to germinate, as, indeed, most others. Seeds go through the stage of post-harvest ripening, it is called the state of rest. In pome crops, including apple trees, this period is long, in time it takes more than a month.
The structure of the apple tree seed is designed so that when the cytoplasm is compacted in it, the life of the dry seed freezes. It is difficult to understand whether it is alive or dead. Seeds are placed in warm water and provide oxygen access. Sprouted seeds are living, they are used for planting, swollen seeds are dead, they are thrown away.
Depending on the growing conditions, the seeds are planted either immediately in the ground, or in prepared pots to obtain seedlings. Landing is carried out in regions with severe winters. The structure of the apple tree seed , a diagram of which is presented for review, allows the roots to germinate at low temperatures. Trying to survive, they will penetrate deep into the earth, which will not allow them to freeze in the frosty period. But for such a landing, an important condition is the deep occurrence of groundwater.
If the trees will grow in marshy soil, it is better to grow seedlings from seeds. The fact is that replanting them into the ground, the roots will be damaged. The seedlings will not have the strength to grow deeper, so that the plant does not begin to rot.
What happens in a seed when it sprouts?
The structure of the apple tree seed is such that the water entering its cells contributes to the swelling of the membrane and cytoplasm, which include gummy substances (colloids) in large numbers. Swelling, they significantly increase in volume, the cytoplasm turns into a liquid. In it, the process of oxidation (respiration) begins, as a result of which water and carbon dioxide are released, organic substances necessary for nutrition are also formed. So that the process does not stop, the seeds need a sufficient amount of carbohydrates or fats. They get these substances from stored starch and fats.
The structure of the apple tree seed, the photo of which is presented for review, is such that complex proteins, enzymes, form in the cytoplasm. Acting as catalysts, they accelerate biochemical processes in the cell. Moreover, the enzymes are not wasted. They turn protein stored in the seed into soluble substances: sugar, amino acids, fats and others. Cells begin to divide and grow in size. This means that the seed begins to germinate. When shoots appear, the plant will feed on substances contained in soil and air.
The benefits of apple seeds
The main function of a small seed is reproduction. But, besides this, it benefits human health, since it contains many trace elements. First of all, the apple tree seed is rich in natural iodine, which is fully absorbed by the body. In medicine, preventive measures against oncological diseases are carried out using vitamin B17, which is found in large quantities in the seed.
Eastern medicine uses the seed, applying it to the hands or feet in certain places. So, experts influence the work of internal organs. In cosmetology, masks and creams are made from crushed seeds to rejuvenate the skin of the face.
In addition to good, the seed can bring harm. It contains such a compound that, under the influence of gastric juice, forms hydrocyanic acid, the strongest poison that causes poisoning. Therefore, apple seeds can not be consumed in large quantities.
The benefits of sunflower seeds
Seeds have high biological value, are well digested and easily digested. They normalize the balance of acid and alkali in the body, the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. In large quantities, sunflower seeds contain minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, dissolving fats, amino acids.
Vitamin E is so much that fifty grams of seeds is enough to satisfy the daily needs of the body. This antioxidant has a powerful effect, prevents the development of a disease such as atherosclerosis, protects a person from radiation, including computer radiation.
Seeds are a high-calorie product: in one hundred grams - seven hundred kilocalories. The high content of vitamin F prevents the destruction of nerve fibers, cell membranes and the accumulation of cholesterol.
Other products also have many beneficial substances. The difference is that in sunflower seeds they last longer, all year round. Seeds do not deteriorate due to their strong shell.
The benefits of pumpkin seeds
The biological value of all parts of gourds. But especially useful are pumpkin seed seeds. It contains many acids: palmitic, oleic, stearic and linoleic.
Vitamin E, being a powerful antioxidant, prevents the development of many diseases: blood vessels and heart, atherosclerosis and hypertension, liver and kidneys, anemia, diabetes and oncology.