seed

A seed is the reproductive unit of a seed plant that typically develops from a fertilized ovule and can develop into a new plant. Seeds form after fertilization in both gymnosperms and angiosperms and usually contain an embryo, nutritive tissue, and a protective seed coat.

The embryo is a dormant, miniature plant. The nutritive tissue provides food during germination; in many flowering plants this is endosperm. In monocot seeds the endosperm often remains as a separate tissue at maturity, whereas in many dicot seeds the endosperm is absorbed by the cotyledons. The seed coat develops from the integuments that surround the ovule and protects the embryo and endosperm.

Seed development follows fertilization; in angiosperms, double fertilization yields both the embryo and endosperm. Seeds often enter dormancy, a state of suppressed growth, and germination requires favorable conditions such as adequate moisture, oxygen, and suitable temperature. Some seeds also require stratification (exposure to cold) or scarification (breaking or weakening a hard coat) to break dormancy.

Dispersal and ecology: Seeds are dispersed by wind, water, animals, or mechanical means, enabling plants to colonize new areas and maintain populations. They play a central role in plant life cycles and ecosystem dynamics, influencing species distribution and genetic exchange.

Uses and storage: Seeds are fundamental to agriculture, forestry, and conservation. Seed banks preserve genetic diversity for crop improvement and ecological restoration. Storage aims to maintain viability through low moisture and cool or controlled temperatures, and viability is commonly assessed by germination tests.