How do seeds grow in fruit? How? Just how? This has been bothering me for ages
In: Other
Seeds grow inside fruit because, after a flower is pollinated, the flower’s ovary starts to develop into fruit. Inside the ovary are tiny potential seeds called ovules. When pollination happens, these ovules get fertilized and begin to grow into seeds.
At the same time, the ovary around the seeds turns into the fruit, which acts like a protective container. As the fruit grows, it provides food and protection for the developing seeds. Once the fruit is fully grown and ripe, it helps spread the seeds, either by falling to the ground or being eaten by animals, who then scatter the seeds elsewhere.
So, the fruit is basically a package that helps seeds grow and later spreads them so new plants can grow.
Germination depends a bit on the plant/seed. Seeds remain dormant until they encounter the right conditions related to light and warmth and moisture.
Once conditions are right, the seed absorbs water around it, causing it to swell up and break through its outer shell.
Then chemistry takes over. It activates enzymes that convert stored nutrients into energy to start growing a special embryonic root, aka radicle.
That root then begins to absorb more water and nutrients. Then a shoot grows upward and develops leaves in the open air, which lets it produce its own food.
Latest Answers