The radicle is one half of the embryo, which is situated between the cotyledons, inside the testa. The seeds are formed as a result of sexual reproduction and contain the young embryo which can develop into a new plant. As the bean seedling develops, the epicotyl grows and elongates in a process known as phototropism, which means growing toward the light. 1) Seed Coat They are the protective outer covering of a seed that is usually hard, thick, and brownish in color. The outer covering of a seed is called the seed coat. The micropyle is situated in the hilum. The hypocotyl is part of the plumule, situated between the cotyledons and the root. The structure of a bean seed is simple, but the plant sprouting from the seed is complex with large fruit yields. After the radicle breaks through the micropyle and begins its descent into the soil, the plumule swells, pushing up through the testa and soil until it reaches sunlight. Situated on the testa, at the indented portion of the bean, the micropyle is a small hole that allows water to enter the seed to start the germination process. "How to Grow Beans, Peas, Asparagus, Artichokes and Other Shoots"; Richard Bird; 2008, Applied Principles of Horticultural Science; Laurie Brown; 2008. The hilum is a scar where the bean seed was previously attached to the pod. Seed Structure. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Seed is the reproductive structure characteristic of all phanerogams. The radicle continues to grow until a fully-fledged root system has developed and is able to sustain the growing plant. The tiny embryo is situated between the cotyledons and is the immature bean plant. The radicle is the first root produced by the seed. Situated on the testa, at the indented portion of the bean, the micropyle is a small hole that allows water to enter the seed to start the germination process. The hypocotyl is part of the stem, between the cotyledons and the foot. She's had articles published in the "Lynn News" and "Diva." She earned a Bachelor of Science in mental health nursing and a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of East Anglia. Bean seeds are fascinating in their simplicity. The testa varies in color, depending on the variety of bean seed. Cotyledons provide nutrients to the developing bean plant from the time of germination until the roots have matured enough to sustain the growing plant. As germination begins, and the plumule ascends from the seed, the epicotyl elongates, reaching toward sunlight, in a process referred to as phototropism. Although the testa is thin, it is very tough. It is a large tropical climbing plant. The USDA also states that beans contain numerous minerals and vitamins, making them a … Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, black & white bean, black bean & barley image by Jane September from Fotolia.com, USDA National Nutrient Database; Raw Green Snap Beans. There is a very small hole in the testa, known as the micropyle, which allows water to enter and begin the germination process. Despite their simple structure, bean seeds produce vast quantities of foliage and fruit. The structure of seeds may be studied in such common types of pea, gram, bean almond or sunflower. Bean seeds are fascinating in their simplicity. Cotyledons provide nutrients to the developing bean plant from the time of germination until the roots have matured enough to sustain the growing plant. A bean is the seed of one of several genera of the flowering plant family Fabaceae, which are used as vegetables for human or animal food. The dry mature seeds are large, dark to black, nearly round to slightly flattened, and elongated. Cotyledons are the two halves of the bean seed, covered and protected by the testa. Beans are highly nutritious, containing protein, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and vitamins A, C and K. Knowing the structure of bean seeds enables growers to understand the importance of regular, even watering and the growing process. The plumule is the second half of the embryo, and produces the first leaves of the plant. Beans are highly nutritious, containing protein, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese and vitamins A, C and K. Knowing the structure of bean seeds enables growers to understand the importance of regular, even watering and the growing process. She specializes in mental-health, healthcare, dementia, gardening-related topics, photography and LGBT issues. They are all built on the same plan although there may be differences’ in the shape or size of the seed the relative proportion of various parts. The testa is the hard, protective outer layer of the bean seed. The plumule is the second half of the embryo, and produces the first leaves of the plant. The hypocotyl is the immature portion of the stem, which becomes the main stem and support for the mature bean plant. All Rights Reserved. The embryo is split into two halves, the radicle and the plumule. The testa is the hard outer “skin” of the seed. She specializes in mental-health, healthcare, dementia, gardening-related topics, photography and LGBT issues. The seed coat is formed from the outer covering of the ovule called the integument. The USDA also states that beans contain numerous minerals and vitamins, making them a valuable addition to your diet. Structure of a Bean Seed. The epicotyl is the part of the stem above the cotyledons and below the plumule. 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