CPSCI 44A | Laboratory Learning Activity (LLA) 5.

Seed Morphology and Seedling

Structure

Introduction
A seed is an embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering (Wikipedia). It is a
mature ovule which is formed as a product of sexual reproduction process in seed plants.
After double fertilization, a seed is formed and served as a propagule of the crop. The seed
structure varies depending on the type of crop based on the number of cotyledon either
monocot or dicot. The mature embryo of a seed is consisting of an embryonic root known as
the radicle, an embryonic shoot known as plumule, and one or two cotyledons. The plumule,
has two main parts, the epicotyl and the hypocotyl. The epicotyl is the portion of the
embryonic stem above the point at which the stem is attached to the cotyledon(s). The
hypocotyl is the portion below the point of attachment. The hypocotyl is connected to the
radicle. The cotyledon is described as a seed leaf that stores food in the form of starch and
protein for use by the embryo. An embryo of a monocotyledon (monocot) plant has one
cotyledon, while that of a dicotyledon (dicot) plant has two cotyledons. A monocot stores the
bulk of its energy in the endosperm while a dicot stores its food in the two cotyledons. Some
of the monocot plants are the cereal crops while grain legumes are some of the examples of

CPSCI 44A (Postharvest Handling & Seed Technology, Laboratory). CA-DAPB. CMU © 2022 2
 dicot plants. These crops are basically used as common examples for durables crops that
are given emphasis in seed technology part of this subject. Moreover, this exercise is very
useful and relevant for the succeeding laboratory exercises in seed technology.
Objectives:
At the end of this exercise, the students are expected to come up with the following:
1. To identify the parts of a seed and a seedling and determine the variations that exist
among different crops
2. To be familiar with the seed’s internal and external features and seedling structure
3. To learn basic seed structures and their function of important durable crops and seed
types.

Materials & Methods:

Clippers (or knives), single-edged razor blades, dissecting needles, a small magnifying glass
(or hand lens), pencil and paper, and seed samples of 2 leguminous crops and 2 cereal crop
species, Camera or smartphone camera

Procedure:

1. The student may select one leguminous crop (beans, peanut, soybean, cowpea,
mungbean, castor bean, etc.) and one cereal crop species like rice, corn, adlay, etc.
which are locally available.
2. Presoak 5 to 10 seed samples in tap water at room temperature (or 27 °C) for 15 to
24 hours. The imbibition will soften tissues and facilitate dissection.
3. Using a knife, clippers, or a single-edged razor blade and depending on type of
seeds, carefully cut the seeds in one of two different ways:
a. cross section (transverse)
b. lengthwise (longitudinal)

You may cut repeatedly until the embryo and other internal tissues of the seed
are exposed.

4. Examine the tissues exposed by the cuts and label them on freehand sketches or
actual photos of the cut material. Determine which tissues are for embryo protection,
storage of food reserves, etc. and identify the other parts (refer to Figures 1 to 4
showing seed morphology of sample crops as your guide). Show magnified pictures
with labels if not a freehand sketches or drawing
5. On at least one seed of your chosen crop, try to remove the embryo without damage,
sketch it, and label the parts. Use a magnifying glass if available to clearly identify the
parts.

Figure 1. Morphology of Castor bean seed (A); bean seed (B); and whole
seed (C) kernel after removal of seed coat C. whole seed cut into half
showing position of embryo
(Adapted from https://www.quora.com/Is-a-castor-seed-a-monocot-or-a-dicot)

CPSCI 44A (Postharvest Handling & Seed Technology, Laboratory). CA-DAPB. CMU © 2022 2
 Figure 2. Morphology of Corn seed
(Adapted fromhttps://www.sciencefacts.net/parts-of-a-seed.html and
https://www.carlsonstockart.com/photo/monocot-germination-corn-seedling)

Figure 3. Morphology of bean seed

(Adapted from https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/bean-seed-structure-dicot and
https://www.toppr.com/guides/biology/anatomy-of-flowering-plants/the-seed/)

Figure 4. Structure and cross section of rice seed

(Adapted from https://www.slideshare.net/anjumalibuttar/rice-production-
technologies and http://www.fao.org/3/t0567e/T0567E07.htm)

CPSCI 44A (Postharvest Handling & Seed Technology, Laboratory). CA-DAPB. CMU © 2022 2
 Figure 5. Cross section vs longitudinal section
(http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/biology/bdol/skill_handbook/tc.html)

6. Using your presoak seeds of your chosen crops, sow at least 5 seeds of each crop
in a plastic dish or a substitute for seed box or petridish and check for the occurrence
of germination. Examine the germinating seeds after 3 to 5 days from sowing.
Identify the parts of a seedling. Draw and label the parts of the seedling of your
chosen crops. Refer to Figures 6 to 8 for your guide in the identification.

Figure 6. Morphology of rice seedling

(Adapted from https://www.ikisan.com/ap-rice-morphology.html)

CPSCI 44A (Postharvest Handling & Seed Technology, Laboratory). CA-DAPB. CMU © 2022 2
 Figure 7. Morphology of corn seedling
(Adapted https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/starter_fertilizers_corn.html)

Figure 8. Morphology of bean seedling. (Adapted from

https://www.britannica.com/science/germination)

7. Know and describe the functions of the different parts of the seed. (suggested
reference: (https://www.sciencefacts.net/parts-of-a-seed.html)
8. Do photo documentation throughout the conduct of this exercise.
9. When the work is done, always provide a simple discussion and conclusion in your
oral and written reports. If you have recommendations, you may also include these in
your presentation.

CPSCI 44A | Laboratory Learning Activity (LLA) # 5.0

CPSCI 44A (Postharvest Handling & Seed Technology, Laboratory). CA-DAPB. CMU © 2022 2
 Seed Morphology and Seedling Structure
Exercise No. 5 DATA SHEET
Group #: ________________ Section: ___________________
Name of Members: _____________________________ Schedule: __________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

A. Seed Morphology of (assigned crop)

(photo from the activity, and label the parts)

A.1 Write down the different function of each part of the seed.
Seedling Parts Functions

B. Seedling Structure of (assigned crop)

CPSCI 44A (Postharvest Handling & Seed Technology, Laboratory). CA-DAPB. CMU © 2022 2
 (photo from the activity, and label the parts)

B.1 Write down the functions of each part of the seedling.

Seedling Parts Functions

DOCUMENTATION OF THE CONDUCT OF THE ACTIVITY

CPSCI 44A (Postharvest Handling & Seed Technology, Laboratory). CA-DAPB. CMU © 2022 2