Seed: the difference from the dispute and what advantages it has

In nature, there are several ways of multiplying plant organisms. Most of them are associated with the formation of specialized cells: spores or gametes. When the latter merge, some seeds form a seed. What is different from the dispute and how is it arranged? These and many other questions modern science already knows the answers. Let's understand and we.

Spores and seeds: the question of evolution

Life originated in the water. Many algae survived in difficult conditions precisely because of the ability to form mobile cells asexually multiplying - zoospores. Consequently, the difference between a seed and a spore can be traced in a time frame.

The first people on land were the higher spore plants. Mosses, mosses, horsetails and ferns spread with the help of spores - cells of asexual reproduction. In contrast to the lower plants - algae, they had real tissues. Therefore this group of organisms also received such a characteristic name.

Further, in the process of evolution, seed plants appeared in nature. The seed is formed as a result of the fusion of gametes. This group includes gymnosperm conifers and angiosperms, which occupy a dominant position in the modern plant world.

The importance of sporulation

Spores can form not only plants. Bacteria (unicellular prokaryotic organisms) also multiply with the participation of spores. In addition, with the help of cells of asexual reproduction, they can easily survive adverse conditions. It is because of this that bacteria remain viable when exposed to high or low temperatures, ionizing radiation.

Mushrooms are also capable of spore formation. And some mold representatives of this realm of wildlife can throw them at a distance of more than a meter.

Alternation of generations

As the life cycle of spore plants occurs, one can consider the example of moss-like plants. The green carpet of these plants is called a gametophyte, or sex generation. In its special organs are formed sex cells. But when they merge, no seed is formed. How is it different from the gamete spores? These are the sex cells, from which a representative of the asexual generation is formed - a sporophyte. In mosses, it is a dry foot with a box, inside which matures spores. Falling into the ground, the cells of asexual reproduction sprout, again forming a green gametophyte. And so it repeats itself again.

The structure of the seed

In seminal plants, the fusion of male and female gametes generates an organ of generative reproduction - the seed. Unlike spores, it has an embryo (a prototype of a future plant). Its constituent parts are the embryonic root, stalk and kidney. To develop the future plant, the embryo is surrounded by a supply of nutrients, called endosperm, and is additionally protected by seed coat. A real double cocoon from adverse environmental conditions!

Seeds of gymnosperms are located on scales of cones openly. But angiosperms form an additional protection in the form of fruits.

Than the seeds differ from the argument

Spores are separate cells. They can differ in size, shape, and have flagella for movement. But they have only one function: to ensure asexual reproduction of organisms.

A more progressive part of the plant is the seed. What is the difference between this education and education? First of all, it is an organ consisting of tissues and specialized cells.

For the development and germination of spores, water is needed, and the seeds already have such a stock in the endosperm. Not for nothing mosses and ferns live only in damp places.

In most plants, the seeds are inside the fruit. They are an adaptation for additional protection and spreading of seeds. For example, the string and burdock have special hooks, which are easily attached to animal wool. The ash lion is carried by the wind, and the henbane box itself spreads the seeds a good distance.

Cell spores germinate only under certain conditions. If moisture, light or heat is not enough, they perish. Seeds, due to the stock of necessary substances, can wait out unfavorable factors. And with the advent of a suitable time to give rise to a new organism.

Another bonus of seeds is their ability to acquire new signs, fixed in the genotype. This is due to the fact that as a result of the fusion of germ cells there is a new combination of genetic material. Using this property, breeders create seeds with valuable qualities. Everyone is well aware of winter wheat, which germinates only in the cold and allows one to harvest grain crops year-round.

Seed and spore plants

In the modern plant world, seed plants occupy a dominant position, being the apex of the evolutionary process. If we talk about species diversity, then only algae, moss, plauniform, horsetail and fern-like reproduce by spores. All other plants on the planet are seed. Fir and apricot, oak and cherry, roses and lilies ... All plants can not be listed.

A stock of substances, an embryo of the future plant organism, additional protection, the ability to spread - all these signs have a seed, than differs from a dispute, giving its owners a number of important advantages.