Seeds and Their Basic Parts

• Identify basic seed parts: seed coat, embryo, and stored food.
• Explain why seeds are important for new plants.
• Differentiate healthy and damaged seeds in simple observation.
• Relate seed variety to Indian crops and fruits.

Level 1 - What is a seed?

A seed is the starting stage of many plants. It contains a tiny baby plant and food reserve.

Level 2 - Main parts

Seed coat protects inner parts. Embryo grows into new plant. Cotyledons often store food for early growth.

Level 3 - Seed diversity

Seeds differ in size, shape, and color: mustard is tiny, mango seed is large, bean seed is medium and easy to observe.

Level 4 - Indian context

Farmers in India select healthy seeds for crops like wheat, paddy, and pulses. Mango, guava, and papaya seeds from fruits can be used in school gardening projects. Better seed quality improves germination and crop yield.

NCERT anchor: Looking Around 4, Ch 19 — Abdul in the Garden; Ch 14 — Basva's Farm (seeds, sowing, and growth)

Bean seed observation

Step 1 - Soak bean seeds overnight.
Step 2 - Remove seed coat gently.
Step 3 - Open seed to view inner parts.
Step 4 - Identify cotyledons and tiny embryo.
Answer: Seed has protective coat and living embryo.

Healthy seed selection

Step 1 - Compare shriveled and plump seeds.
Step 2 - Check for damage or fungal spots.
Step 3 - Keep healthy plump seeds for sowing.
Step 4 - Discard damaged seeds.
Answer: Healthy seeds improve germination success.

• Name two basic parts of a seed.
• Why is seed coat important?
• Is mustard seed living or non-living?
• Give one example of a large seed.
• Stretch: Collect five edible seeds from kitchen and classify by size and likely food reserve amount.

Revision tip: A seed is a packed plant starter kit: protection, baby plant, and food.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Seeds and Their Basic Parts.