The hilum functions as a crucial point of interaction between a seed and its environment. According to the reference provided, the hilum is a scar on the seed coat, marking where the seed was attached to the ovary tissues. Its primary function is to regulate the interaction between the embryo and the external environment. However, the hilum can also act as an entry point for pathogens, potentially harming the seed.
Here's a breakdown of the hilum's functions:
- Point of Attachment: The hilum indicates where the seed was connected to the maternal plant's ovary.
- Regulation of Interaction: It plays a role in controlling how the seed interacts with its surroundings, potentially affecting water uptake or gas exchange.
- Pathogen Entry: Unfortunately, the hilum can also serve as a gateway for harmful pathogens to invade the seed.
In essence, the hilum is a critical, yet vulnerable, area on the seed coat that has a significant role in the seed's development and survival.
