Chapter 6: Life of a Plant

From:
Lesson 3: Systematic Procession of Life Activities
J2 Science Book(1)
 Learning objectives (pg104)
What you should know and able to answer by the end of this lesson
1. The structures and functions of different parts of a seed.
2. The Conditions for seed germination and be able to mention the types of seed
germination.
3. Growth of the root tip and the stem tip
4. Flower is the reproductive organ of a plant.
5. Structures of a flower and able to differentiate and explain the functions of
stamens and the pistil.
6. The pollination of plants and be able to mention the different media of
pollination
7. The fertilization of plants and elaboration of the process.
8. Way of formation and dispersal of fruits and seeds.
6.1 Structure of Seed (pg106)
• Growth of plant from seed.
• Different plants has their own
kind of seed which differs in
their shapes , sizes and colours.
• In general , seeds have common
features as following:
• Testa
• Cotyledon
• Radicle Embryo
• Hypocotyl
• Plumule
Activity 1: observe the morphological
structure of a french bean (菜豆）
Overall Shape
Flat and kidney-shaped
External Features:
Micropyle (Seed pore)
Hilum (Seed scar)
Testa (Seed coat)

External structure of a soaked French bean:

Activity 1, (Step 1) Remove and examine the
texture and characteristics of the testa
• The whole structure of the seed with the testa removed is
called the embryo (胚）- [ Internal structure ]
Activity 1, (Step2+3) Remove and examine the
texture and characteristics of the testa
• The whole structure of the seed
with the testa removed is called
the embryo ( 胚 )- [ Internal
structure ]
• The internal structures are as
following:
• Testa
• Cotyledon
• Radicle
• Hypocotyl Embryo
• Plumule
Structure of 'French Bean Seed' (Pg 107)
French Group of Seed structure Parts of the Characteristics & Function
Bean Seed
Seed External structures Testa Tough , protects the seed's internal structure
(Seed coat)

Micropyle Absorbs water necessary for germination

Internal structures / Cotyledon Two ; thick and fleshy ; store nutritious matter
Embryo Plumule Where young leaves are grown ; develops into
the stem and leaves
Radicle Slender ; develops into root
Hypocotyl Connects the plumule to the radicle ; develops
into the part that connects the root and the stem
Activity 2 : structures of “Maize Grain”
 Structure of 'Maize grain' (Pg 108)
Maize Group of structure Parts of the Seed Characteristics & Function
grain
External structures Pericarp and Tightly fused together; protect the seed's internal
Testa structure

Internal structures / Embryo Plumule Where young leaves are grown ; develops into the stem
and leaves
Radicle distributed at the opposite end of the plumule, develops
into the root
Hypocotyl Connects the plumule to the radicle ; develops into the
part that connects the root and the stem
Cotyledon one ; not thick and fleshy ; can absorb nutrients from the
endosperm for the development of the embryo.

*Endosperm : Part outside the embryo ; stores nutrients like starch

Think about it: Difference between french
bean and Maize grain (Pg108)
• Angiosperms are plants that produce flowers and bear their seeds
in fruits.
• They are the largest and most diverse group within the kingdom Plantae
• Angiosperms can be classified into two main group
• Monocotyledons (one seed leaf) Eg: Maize,wheat,rice ....
• Dicotyledons (two seed leaves) Eg: French bean, cotton ...
Differences between monocotyledons and dicotyledons
6.1.2 Nutrients in the seed
• Nutrients stored in seed can be extracted and made into
different products [Seed extracts] such as:
• Peanut oil
• Palm oil
• Maize oil
• Soybean milk

• In different kind of seed, the nutrients found also

varies. Some has more starch , some are rich in
proteins and some contain more fats.

• The fuller a seed is , the more nutrients it stores and

the stronger the young shoot that grow from it is.
 6.2 Seed Germination (pg109-110)
• Experiment to determine the Conditions for seed germinations ( whats
the factor )
• to identify three variables for the experiment
• Manipulated variable : Presence of water/air/temperature
• Responding variable : Germination of seed
• Fixed variable : Size of the beakers and the volume of the water
• When planning an experiment with multiple variables, keep other
variables unchanged except for one that will show the effects on a
subject. This kind of research method is known as the controlled variable
method.
• [ To observe the relationship between manipulated and responding
variable in one-to-one manner]
 6.2 Seed Germination (2) @ (pg109-110)
• There are many factors affecting the germination of seed, such as:
• Suitable temperature
• Adequate amounts of water
• Adequate amounts of air ( Oxygen gas and carbon dioxide )
• light or darkness
• Type of soil used
• Germination experiments ( To take note on selecting 3 variables)
• Fixed/controlled variable - Size of the beakers and volume of water
• Manipulated variable - Temperature
• Responding variable - Germination of seeds
 Germination experiments

Water + Air + Air + Water + Water + Air

Temperature Temperature Temperature
Will not Will not Will not
Germinate!
Germinate! Germinate! Germinate!
 6.2.2: The process of Seed Germination , pg111
Before germination During/After germination
1. Seeds absorb sufficient water so 1. Radicle first to grow , elongates and
that its testa can be softened or bursts out of the testa.
burst.
2. Stored nutrients in cotyledons 2. Radicles grow into the roots
or endosperms can be dissolved 3. Hypocotyl is also elongating so that the
in the water and be transported plumule can come out of the ground.
to the radicle, hypocotyl and
plumule. 4. Plumule slowly develops into the stem
and leaves will grow out of it.
3. Seeds will germinate once
radicle , hypocotyl and plumule 5. Fully developed seedlings able to carry
received sufficient amount of out photosynthesis and can live
nutrients. independently
Steps for Seed Germination
1. Imbibition ( Absorb water )
2. Activation ( Start to grow from Root )
3. Growth ( Formation of root and shoot )
4. Morphogenesis ( Formation of seedling )
5. Continues to grow ( Normal plant )
 There are two main types of germination found in plants:
• Epigeal Germination
• Hypogeal Germination

Epigeal Germination: Here the cotyledons are found to

grow above the soil. This happens due to the rapid
elongation of the region between the cotyledons and the
radical in the baby plant. This region is called the hypocotyl.
Examples – Bean, Cotton, castor, papaya, onion, and gourd.
Endosperm* = Seed Coat*

Hypogeal Germination: Here the cotyledons are found

to grow below the soil. It occurs due to rapid elongation
of the region between the plumule and the cotyledons
in the baby plant. This region is called the epicotyl.

Examples – Pea, wheat, maize, rice, gram, and

groundnut.
6.2.3: Dormancy and life span of a seed, pg112
• dormancy 休眠 : Delayed germination
• Some mature seeds do not germinate even under favourable conditions.
• Example: During autumn, dormancy causes the seeds not to germinate
immediately right after they drop to the ground. The seeds will only
germinate when spring comes
• The advantage of dormancy is to dodge the unfavourable factors such as dryness and
cold [ autumn/winter time ] 休眠

• Some seeds ( Rice and Wheat ) do not have dormancy or have very short
periods of dormancy.
6.2.3: Dormancy and life span of a seed, pg112
• Like plants, seeds also have fixed life
spans. [Plant & Seed lifespan different ]
• Lifespans of seed is depends on:
• lifespans extended under low temperature
and dry conditions
• lifespans is shortened under high
temperature and wet conditions.
Plant Lifespan
Wheat , Rice , Maize 2-3years
Cabbage , Broad bean , Pumpkin 4-6years
 6.3.1 The structure and Growth of the root tip@Pg113

• Radicle grows into a root

4 • Root-tip can be divided into 4
parts:
Root • 1. Root Cap
3 • 2. Division Zone (Meristematic)
Root-tip • 3. Elongation zone
• 4. Differentiation zone
(Maturation)
1 2
 Activity 4 , pg113
Root Cap Division Zone Elongation Differentiation
Zone Zone

Sizes of the cell Big volume 1-3mm , small big volume big volumes
volume
Shapes of the cells Irregular almost square rectangular protrude
shapes and and arranged cells outwards to
arranged close to one form the root
disorderly another hairs.
 Short Summary
• Key Points
• Root tips ultimately develop into two main
• Key Terms
types of root systems: tap roots and fibrous • radicle: the rudimentary shoot of a
roots. plant that supports the cotyledons
• The growing root tip is protected by a root in the seed and from which the root
cap. is developed downward; the root of
the embryo
• Within the root tip, cells differentiate, actively • meristem: the plant tissue
divide, and increase in length, depending on in composed of totipotent cells that
which zone the cells are located. allows plant growth
• Dividing cells make up the zone of cell division • germination: the beginning of
in a germinating plant. vegetation or growth from a seed or
• The newly-forming root increases in size in the spore
zone of elongation.
• Differentiating cells make up the zone of cell
maturation.
Taproot(主根) & Fibrous root system （须根）
• There are two main types of root systems.
• tap root system (Dicots)
• fibrous root system (monocot) which is also known
as an adventitious root system.

Tap root system

• has a Conspicous(main) root that grows down
vertically, from which many smaller lateral roots
arise.
• Can be found in deep under the ground.
• (e.g: durian, rambutan…)
Fibrous root system
• main root will stop growing. Insteads, many
adventitious roots will then grow out of the base
of the hypocotyl.
• are distributed in shallower soils.
• e.g: maize, onion….
Taproots & Fibrous roots
• A tap root system penetrates Tap root system Fibrous root
deep into the soil. system

• In contrast, a fibrous root system Distributions

of root
Main root grows and
lateral root branching
Main root stop
growing and
is located closer to the soil systems from the main adventitious root
surface where it forms a dense will grow
network of roots that also helps
prevent soil erosion depth in soil Deep Shallow

• Distribution of roots are also features Main root + branching Adventitious/

fibrous root
affected by factors like “water”
and “fertilizers” in the example balsam plant, soya bean , Wheat , rice,corn
plants rambutan and durian
environment.
Pg 114
Plant Grass/ Onion(fibrous Balsam Plant( Tap
Compared Item root) root)
Numbers of roots Many adventitious roots Have main root and
many lateral root

Presence of big, No Yes

distinct main root
Examples of plants
that have similar Garlic, wheat, maize Rambutan, durian,
roots mango
6.3.2 The structure and
growth of the Bud, pg115
• The main stalk (stem) and the lateral
branches of a plant are collectively called
the shoot.
• A shoot is developed from a bud.
• The development process as below:
The main stalk usually develops from the
hypocotyl of a seed while the lateral branches
grow from the bud.
 6.3.2 The structure and growth of the Bud, pg115

• There is different type of buds

depends on the position of
growing.
• Terminal/Apical bud
• Lateral/Axillary bud
• Terminal bud grows at the end of
a main shoot/main branch).
• Lateral bud grows at the side of
a stalk or at side of a lateral
branch.
Petiole: 叶柄 , the stalk that joins a leaf to a
stem [ To hold the leaf blade/lamina/leaf]
The structure and growth of the Bud
• Buds are stems , leaves or flowers in their undeveloped forms
(early forms).
• Buds can be further divided into
• Branch buds
• Flower buds
• Mixed buds
• Branch buds grow into branches and leaves
• Flower buds grow into flowers
• Mixed buds grow into branches, leaves and flowers.
• Flower and Mixed buds are thicker compared to branch bud.
The structure and growth of the Bud
• What is Primordium? an organ,
structure, or tissue in the
earliest stage of development.
原基（primordium)，指处于细
胞分化初期阶段的组织或器官。
• A branch bud consists of:
• Immature young leaves
• bud shaft
• branch/bud primordium
The structure and
growth of the Bud

• Apical meristematic cells undergo continuous

division.
• Leaf primordia--- become leaves
• Bud primordia--- become lateral branches
The structure and growth of the Bud
• Tree will have different shapes
dependings on the growth of the
terminal bud and lateral bud.
• The phenomenon in which the
terminal bud is given priorit to grow
while the growth of lateral buds is
restricted is called apical dominance
• Example plants showing apical
dominance is:
• Willow Intact: not damaged or
impaired in any way;
• Cedar
complete
• Sunflower

Tree shape with intact terminal bud

Application of apical dominance @ pg 116
• For growing plants , sometimes require the application and
maintenance of apical dominance
• If support apical dominance , allow terminal bud to grow and restrict to
growth of lateral bud
• If against apical dominance , remove/restrict terminal bud so the plant
growth will focuses on lateral bud (Growth of side branches)
• For example, topping and pruning of cotton plants , runner crops
like the melons and fruit trees stimulate the development of side
branches so that more flowers and fruits can be grown.
• Topping = removing buds
• Apical dominance will be beneficial for growing strong and erect stems
of timber wood.
6.3.3 Growth cycles of angiosperms @ pg117
lifespan of the Naming of the Example of Remarks
plants groups angiosperms/plants

1 year annual plants Rice , Maize and can be sown and

tomato harvested within a year

2 year biennial plants rapeseed , carrot sown in the first year but
bear seeds and gradually
die in the following year
more than 2 year perennial peach , tangerine live more than 2 years
plants and willow
Growth & Life cycle of a plant

(germination)

A Plant goes through the process of growth, development, reproduction, aging and death in its life
Activity 7( pg 117)
Death Mature plant body

Seed germination

Flowering and fruiting

Growth and development of

seeding
6.4 Structure of the Flower @ pg 118
• The flower is the
reproductive organ of the
angiosperm(plant)
• Male : Stamen
• Female : Pistil
• Flower is developed from a
flower bud
• Main function of the flower is
to produce fruits and seeds.

The flower, fruit and seed have reproductive functions. The basic structures of a flower include the
stamen, ,pistil, petals and sepals of which the stamen and pistil are the most important.
 6.4 Structure of the Flower @ pg 119
Reproductive Consists Functions
organs of of / part
Flower
Stamen (male) Anther Produces Pollen grain
Filament Support the anther
Stigma receive pollen grain
Style Support the stigma
Pistil (female) Ovary contains ovules and can be fertilized
and developed into fruit ; ovules
develop into the seeds.

Other than reproductive organs, sepal and petal also have their functions:
In general , Pistil and carpel are same Sepal : Protect the buds
meaning and can use either one. Petal : protect the internal structures of the flower and attracts insects.
6.5 Pollination and Fertilization @ pg116
Pollination
• After the stamen has become mature, the anther will burst to release pollen
grains
• The process of transferring the released pollen grains to the stigma of a pistil
is called pollination
• Type of Pollination
• Self-Pollination Eg: Pea, Sesame and tomato
• Cross-Pollination Eg: Maize, rapeseed, sunflower and apple
• Pollination is the prerequisite of fertilization
• Cross pollination usually make plant stronger in terms of living ability and
adaptability
Fertilizations : Fruits and seeds can be formed
 Types of pollination
Self pollination Cross pollination

is the transfer of pollen from the anther

of a flower to the stigma of the same flower Cross-pollination is the transfer of
or another flower on the same plant. pollen from the anther of one
flower to the stigma of another
flower.
 Word meaning:
6.5.2 Media of pollination -philous a combining form meaning
“liking,” “having an affinity for”
-Entomo : insects [ Greeks word ]
-Anemo : wind [ Greeks word ]
For cross-pollination , there could be other ways that can help to transfer
the pollen grains produced by mean of other “medium” :
Other medium for Example of Plants Characteristics
Cross-Pollination
Insect-Pollinated / Peach , Chinese rose , tangerine • Big and colorful petas
entomophilous flowers , mango , papaya and etc... • pollen grains are big and sticky so they can be carried by
insects
Wind-Pollinated / Maize, Paddy , Poplar and elm • Pollen grains are abundant and light
anemophilous flowers • Usually forked or featherlike , can secrete sticky liquid

Water-Pollinated/ aquatic plants : eelgrass and Not specified in textbook

hydrophilous flowers hornwort
Animal to transfer bats,squirrels , bird and Not specified in textbook ; Have seeds
humans
 Artifical pollination @ pg 121
• Artificial pollination is pollination carried out
by the helps of human hand and thus not
occured naturally.
• Involves collecting pollen grains and smearing
them onto the stigmas of plants
• This method is useful when there is difficulties
or natural challanges for plants to reproduce
themselves naturally such as:
• Rainy season ; rain frequently and too much water
to the plants
• Windy season ; when the wind is too strong
(typhoon/monsoon)
• Winter time ; when the temperature is too low
 • Fertilized egg develops to form an embryo.
Fertilization @ pg 122 • Ovary develops into fruit
• Ovule develops into the seed
Process of Fertilization
1. Pollen grain has dropped onto
the stigma of the pistil and held by
the sticky excretion of the stigma
2. Germinates and develops a
pollen tube , pollen tube penetrates
the stigma and grow down through
the style into the ovule of the
ovary.
3. Upon reaching the ovary section,
a sperm will be released to
combine with the egg of ovule.
6.6.1 Fruit and seed formation @ pg123
Flower Fruit
Grows into
Ovary Fruit

Ovary wall Fruit Wall (Pericarp)

Ovules Seeds
(Testa + Embryo)

Other parts stay on the fruit or

wither or drop off

https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=PidOBjeY6MI
 Figure Reading pg 124

Ovary wall Fruit wall

Ovary Fruit
Integument Testa
Ovule Seed
Fertilized egg Embryo
 There are many ovules in the ovary of the
There is only one ovule in the ovary of angiosperm , many seeds will developed after
an angiosperm, then the ovule will the ovules are fertilized
develop into a single seed after it is
fertilized.
6.2.2 Fruits and Seed dispersal @ pg125
• Plants disperse their seeds through media such as:
• Wind Eg: Dandelions , Dipterocarp
• Animals ( Eat and excrete) Eg: Peaches, grape
• Animals (carry physically) Eg: Dallis grass
• Water Eg: Coconut , Lotus
• Explosive Mechanism Eg: Rubber tree, balsam
• Under favourable conditions, seeds will germinate ,
grow and later reproduce.