Plants and Seeds

From Seed to Plant Seeds become Plants in a process called “Germination” Seeds are dormant and protected by a tough outer coat. Inside is an embryo surrounded by endosperm, which is food-storing tissue Also inside the seed is a cotyledon, or seed leaves

Monocots and Dicots Seeds with only one cotyledon are called “monocots” Monocots such as wheat, rice and corn use energy from the endosperm Seeds that contain two cotyledons are called “dicots” In Dicots such as beans and Fast Plants the cotyledons emerge and provide energy to the plant.

Germination and Growth A seed planted in soil will absorb water and get larger The “Primary Root” emerges from the seed Root hairs and secondary roots form providing a way for plants to acquire nutrients Cotyledons push up and when they sense sunlight, expand providing energy until

Growth and Development As the plant grows more leaves and roots develop. The plant eventually matures and flowers The flowers are pollinated and fertilization occurs As flowers wither fruit develops to provide a protective covering for seeds which will begin the process again

Plant Nutrition Plant “food” is glucose, a form of sugar that provides energy that they produce through the process called Photosynthesis Plants also require light, water and a suitable temperature along with minerals Minerals don’t provide energy but help plants function properly “Plant Food” provides a mixture of substances that plants need for proper growth and are sometimes called fertilizers

Macro and Micro Nutrients Plants absorb minerals from the soil but sometimes there are not enough and fertilizers are used to supply the needed minerals that are missing Plants need 13 different minerals but three are essential These “Macronutrients” are Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium (or Potash)

Wisconsin Fast Plants (Brassica rapa) Wisconsin Fast Plants were developed by Dr. Paul Williams at UW. They go through their life cycle in 6 weeks Dr Williams cross pollinated those that grew fastest (along with other properties) which is known as “selective breeding” Fast plants belong to a family of plants called “Crucifers” which include cabbage, cauliflower and Brussell sprouts