After fertilization in plants, a remarkable transformation begins. The fertilized ovule develops into a seed, containing the embryo, while the surrounding ovary matures into the fruit that encases the seed.
Seed and Fruit Development
- Seed Formation: The fertilized egg, or zygote, undergoes a series of cell divisions to form the embryo. This embryo is the miniature plant within the seed, containing the necessary genetic information and stored nutrients for germination.
- Fruit Formation: The ovary wall, surrounding the ovules, develops into the fruit. The fruit's primary function is to protect the developing seeds and aid in their dispersal. The type of fruit produced varies greatly depending on the plant species. Examples include fleshy fruits like berries and apples, or dry fruits like nuts and grains.
Embryonic Development: The First Steps
The initial stages of embryonic development involve the zygote dividing into two cells. One cell forms a suspensor, a structure that anchors the embryo and facilitates nutrient transfer from the parent plant. The other cell develops into the proembryo, the precursor to the mature embryo.
Examples of Post-Fertilization Development
- Apple: The fertilized ovules within the apple flower's ovary become the apple seeds, while the ovary wall ripens into the edible fruit we know as an apple.
- Bean: In a bean plant, the fertilized ovules develop into the bean seeds within the pod. The pod itself is the mature ovary.
This process ensures the continuation of the plant's life cycle, enabling the dispersal of new generations to new locations.
