hedelmäkehitys

Hedelmäkehitys, often translated as fruit development, refers to the biological process following fertilization in flowering plants where the ovary of a flower matures into a fruit, and the ovules within the ovary develop into seeds. This complex process involves a series of hormonal and cellular changes that lead to the transformation of floral structures into a seed-bearing dispersal unit.

The initial stages of fruit development typically begin shortly after pollination and fertilization. Hormones, such as auxins and gibberellins, play crucial roles in stimulating cell division and expansion within the ovary wall, which will form the pericarp of the fruit. The pericarp itself is usually differentiated into three layers: the exocarp (outer skin), mesocarp (fleshy or fibrous middle layer), and endocarp (inner layer surrounding the seed).

As the fruit grows, the ovules inside begin to develop into seeds. This involves the formation of the seed coat, embryo, and often nutritive tissues like endosperm or cotyledons. The growth rate and duration of fruit development vary significantly among different plant species, influenced by factors like temperature, light availability, and water.

The mature fruit serves a primary purpose in seed dispersal, aiding in the propagation of the plant. Different fruit types, such as berries, drupes, pomes, legumes, and capsules, have evolved diverse mechanisms for dispersal, often involving animals attracted by the fruit's color, scent, or nutritional value. The study of fruit development is important in agriculture for improving crop yields and quality.