Plants and Seeds

1. Plants and Seeds

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. Wisconsin Fast Plants (Brassicarapa) • 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