seedcoat
Embryo's outer shell
The seedcoat is the protective outer layer of a seed, developed from the ovule's integuments after fertilization.
It shields the embryo and stored nutrients from damage, desiccation, and pathogens until conditions favor germination.
Some seedcoats are thin and papery; others are thick and hard, requiring scarification before water can penetrate: The seedcoat cracked after soaking overnight.
Outer seed integument
- integumentNatural outer covering
- hilumSeed's umbilical mark
- rapheSeamlike junction in tissue
- chalazaEgg's internal anchor cord
outer · inner · layers · membrane · covering · envelope · epidermis · cuticle
Outer seed integument
- arilFleshy seed covering
- wingLimb enabling flight
- hairFibrous scalp covering
- mucilageViscous plant-derived adhesive
color · pattern · ornamentation · smooth · rough · pitted · ridged · reticulate
Intentional shallow skin cuts
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- radicleEmbryonic plant root
- emergenceComing into existence
rupture · softening · cracking · swelling · permeability · breakage · weakening · enzymatic
Guarding against harm
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- impermeabilityResistance to passage
- desiccationComplete removal of moisture
- defenseProtection against harm
barrier · waterproofing · hardiness · resistance · permeability · gas exchange · moisture · regulation
Gathering mature crops
- storageSpace for keeping goods
- seedbankStored plant genetic material
- processingSystematic operation on data
- dehullingRemoving seed's outer layer
conditioning · quality · damage · cracking · discoloration · breeding · selection · treatment
testa
Outer seed integument
- integumentNatural outer covering
- hilumSeed's umbilical mark
- rapheSeamlike junction in tissue
chalaza · outer · inner · layers · membrane · covering · envelope · epidermis · cuticle · protective
testa
Outer seed integument
mucilage · color · pattern · ornamentation · smooth · rough · pitted · ridged · reticulate · glossy
scarification
Intentional shallow skin cuts
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- radicleEmbryonic plant root
emergence · rupture · softening · cracking · swelling · permeability · breakage · weakening · enzymatic · degradation
protection
Guarding against harm
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- impermeabilityResistance to passage
- desiccationComplete removal of moisture
defense · barrier · waterproofing · hardiness · resistance · permeability · gas exchange · moisture · regulation · viability
harvesting
Gathering mature crops
- storageSpace for keeping goods
- seedbankStored plant genetic material
- processingSystematic operation on data
dehulling · conditioning · quality · damage · cracking · discoloration · breeding · selection · treatment · fungicide