Name: Apomixis and Polyembryony
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 7 min 23 s
Description: Apomixis and polyembryony are unusual forms of reproduction that allow seed formation, for continuity of life, without genetic shuffling. Do you want to know...

Question

Mention the significance of fruit and seed formation.

Accepted Answer

Significance of seed formation:
Angiosperms gain several advantages out of the seeds, such as:

Since reproductive processes like pollination and fertilisation do not depend on water, that reason seed formation is more helpful.

Seeds have a better adaptive capability for dispersal to new habitats. Thereby after germination helps the species to settle in other localities.

Seeds possess sufficient reserve food matters, which are used for nourishing young seedlings till they are capable of photosynthesizing on their own.

The young embryo which lies within the seed can be protected by hard seed coat-testa and tegmen.

Seed, the ultimate result of sexual reproduction, generate new genetic combinations leading to variations.

Our agriculture is based on seeds. Dehydration and dormancy of mature seeds are very vital for seed storage. Those stored seeds may be used as food throughout the whole year and also useful to raise a crop in the coming season.

Viability of seeds: The period of the viability of seed varies in different species which may vary from a few months to several years. For example, records show the seed of Lupinus arcticus from the Arctic Tundra showed germination and flowering after 10,000 years of dormancy. Seed of date palm, Phoenix dactylifera was viable after 2000 years.

Significance of fruit formation:

Fruits are edible, have been eaten by human beings and animals due to their effective nutritive values because they are a good source of vitamins, mineral, different organic acids, pectin, sugars (carbohydrates), etc. and also due to their good taste and flavour.

Fruit protects the seed from external injury and also from adverse conditions.

Fruits with seeds are dispersed by means of different agents and after falling on a suitable place, the seeds germinate to produce new individuals.

Mention the significance of fruit and seed formation.

Important Questions on Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

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