Wheat grains are the raw material for the creation of flour, from which bread and pasta are subsequently prepared. Cereals are also suitable for feeding livestock. Wheat is a storehouse of useful substances, it is full of proteins and carbohydrates necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. The seeds of the plant are also called grains, and its structure is important knowledge for people who want to properly grow wheat.
The anatomical structure of wheat
A longitudinal section of the grain shows that it consists of:
- 2 membranes of the fetus;
- 2 shells of seed;
- the aleuron shell of the endosperm;
- scutellum and kidneys;
- embryo;
- rootlets of primordia;
- endosperm;
- crest.
It is important that the representatives of the membranous species have a slightly different grain structure: it is still covered with scales that cover the flower. In holoserous types, the core is quite easily separated from the scales.
Shell
Wheat grain has several shells. They are able to protect it well from weather and temperature extremes. The first shell is very dense, since it itself consists of three layers that are united by the pericarp. The location of the cells inside it looks like brickwork, which ensures the protective function of the membrane.
The central layer in the shell contains pigment, which gives color to the grain. The structure of the seed also includes the presence of kidneys. It is their walls that form the shell.
The grain of wheat has a cylindrical shape, has a strong structure.
Endosperm
The endosperm looks like a regular starch core. At its center are dense and uneven cells, and as they move away from the central part they become more even, rectangular. Inside these cells are proteins, which are a complete system with starch granules.
The Aleuron layer of the epidermis is represented by a different composition, its cells are more like a cube in shape, the structure is more dense and distinct.
Wheat germ
The wheat germ consists of roots (central and secondary), apical generatrix tissue, stem and kidney.
The structure of wheat grain and its germ can be examined in detail only with the help of special equipment. The cotyledon of the embryo looks like a small plate. The latter is located near the endosperm. The cotyledon or scutellum consists of aleuron cells. There is also a special line that connects the shield to a bundle of radicular vessels.
On the outside, the cotyledon is covered with epithelium. He plays an important role because of the ability to secrete special enzymes that break down complex substances to simple ones in the process of germination of the embryo.
The chemical composition of the embryo
The germ of the grain contains the following useful chemical components:
- vitamins E, B1, B2, B6 (most of all contains tocopherol);
- various ash substances, micro and macro elements;
- active enzymes.
The embryo has a weight of about 2-3% of the total mass of grain. The structure and composition of the grain determine its high usefulness for the human body. Wheat contains essential amino acids and fiber. Also, carotenoids and sterols are present in it.
Substances contained in grain
Knowledge of the structure and chemical composition of grain helps to properly grow a crop, giving it proper care.
Wheat is very important for the country's economy, as it is extremely productive and nutritious. In Russian cities, wheat products are of paramount importance to the population. A considerable percentage of the content of endosperm in wheat makes it possible to obtain higher grades of flour, which is of excellent quality. For a person, many substances contained in wheat grain are important, especially protein compounds and carbohydrates, without which the proper functioning of the body is impossible.
In addition to nutrients, the composition of the grain contains starch, which is able to swell. There is also sucrose in wheat, which is removed by different methods from finished flour. It is capable of causing and supporting the fermentation process.
In the endosperm there is a huge amount of starch (78-82%) of its total mass, the presence of sucrose in a small volume, and 13-15% of proteins are also noticeable. The latter are mainly represented by gliadin and glutenin, which create the gluten known to everyone. Ashes, fats, pentosans, and fiber are also present in the endosperm. Different layers of the endosperm contain different amounts of protein.
The wheat germ is located on the sharp tip of the grain, it is from it that a new plant subsequently appears. It contains a significant portion of the protein (33-39%), as well as various nucleoproteins and albumin. The embryo contains a rather large amount of sucrose - about 25%, and also contains fats and fiber, minerals (about 5%). It is the germinal part that contains a large amount of vitamins and essential substances for the full functioning of the human body. Basically, it is tocopherol (vitamin E), as mentioned above.
Energy properties
Wheat contains a large amount of nutrients, which are mainly found in the endosperm of grain. An important role in the structure is played by the outer layer, which contains aleurons rich in nitrogen compounds. Below the endosperm are starchy cells.
Wheat grains are composed of useful substances that determine the importance of the presence of the product in the diet:
- starch in the amount of 75-85%;
- sucrose;
- reducing sucrose;
- proteins of various types;
- ashes;
- fats and carbohydrates;
- pentosan;
- fiber.
Wheat is also rich in mineral compounds, amino acids. It is important for the body, as it supplies it with useful substances and the necessary energy.
Wheat is a treasury with substances that perfectly nourish the body, supporting its vital functions and all metabolic processes. Many doctors confirm this fact.
Wheat benefits
Wheat grains have three main components - the embryo, shell, endosperm or core. Each part contains a specific set of substances that positively affect the body.
Wheat is distinguished by its unusual properties. It is rich in nutrients, the main share is carbohydrates (starch, sucrose), it also contains protein, which the body needs as a building material for new cells.
Wheat contains vitamins A, B, E, D, as well as a large number of amino acids. In combination, these substances are able to improve the state of the immune system, influence metabolic processes, contribute to the rapid growth of healthy hair and improve skin condition.
Also in the composition of wheat grain is folic acid, minerals and carbohydrates.
They have been aware of the miraculous effect of folic acid for a long time, it perfectly affects the functioning of the brain, improves the state of the nervous system, and also contributes to the effective work of internal organs and body systems. It must be present in the diet of pregnant women for the proper development of the fetus.
Polysaturated fatty acids are also found in wheat grains. Equally important is the presence of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorus in the composition. Wheat is a valuable source of fiber, which greatly facilitates the work of the gastrointestinal tract, helps to eliminate toxins from the body, and improves the general condition.
Wheat grains are rich in octacosanol (wheat germ oil), which contains vitamin E. It is this oil that removes "bad" cholesterol from the body and contributes to the accumulation of "good".
The benefits of the presence of wheat in the daily diet are confirmed by doctors who believe that it is able to improve and accelerate metabolic processes. Food is digested easier, and even heavy. The intestinal microflora also stabilizes. If it was broken, then thanks to wheat it is able to gradually recover. The body also becomes resistant to temperature changes by improving the quality of the immune system, so diseases bypass the body.
The substances contained in wheat are able to protect against infections, as well as recover from illness.
Conclusion
The anatomical structure of the grain is represented by shells of various types, endosperm and the embryo. The fruit shell is called the outer part of the grain. It consists of two layers, under it is the seed layer. The embryo is divided into various parts. The embryo provides the cotyledon with nutrients, this is necessary for its subsequent development into a full-fledged plant. In the endosperm there is an outer layer and an inner mealy part. The latter accounts for about 85% of the total weight of the endosperm.
Wheat grain is rich in nutrients, vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and fiber, which contribute to the efficient functioning of the human body, strengthening immunity, improving the condition of the skin and hair.