Articles about "Seed Development"

Table of Contents

Seed development is a crucial process in flowering plants. It starts after fertilization, when the egg cell and the central cell join together to form the seed. The fertilized central cell grows into the endosperm, which supports the developing seed.

During this time, DNA plays an important role. Plants have special proteins that add or remove chemical tags from DNA, which affects how genes are turned on or off. Some of these proteins ensure that the DNA from the mother and the father are balanced in how they are used. For example, one protein helps to prevent the father's DNA from becoming overloaded with these tags, helping to keep things stable.

In some plants, the way seeds form has changed over time. Initially, the seed was mainly controlled by the mother plant, but over time, the father's influence became stronger. This change has helped flowering plants to thrive and become more diverse, allowing them to grow in many different environments.

Overall, seed development is a complex but essential process that ensures the next generation of plants can grow successfully.