Monocot and dicot seeds are the two main types of seeds classified based on the number of cotyledons they possess:
Monocot Seeds:
- Cotyledons: Monocots have one cotyledon (the embryonic leaf).
- Seed Structure: Generally smaller and more elongated. The seed coat is often thinner compared to that of dicots.
- Examples: Common examples include corn (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum spp.), and rice (Oryza sativa).
- Vascular Bundles: Vascular tissue in the stem is typically arranged in scattered bundles throughout the stem.
- Root System: Monocots usually have a fibrous root system, with many thin roots emerging from the base of the stem.
- Leaves: Leaves often have parallel venation and a linear shape.
Dicot Seeds:
- Cotyledons: Dicots have two cotyledons.
- Seed Structure: Often larger and more rounded than monocots. The seed coat can be thicker and more complex.
- Examples: Common examples include beans (Phaseolus spp.), peas (Pisum sativum), and sunflowers (Helianthus annuus).
- Vascular Bundles: Vascular tissue in the stem is usually arranged in a ring.
- Root System: Dicots typically have a taproot system, where one primary root grows deeper and larger, with smaller secondary roots branching out.
- Leaves: Leaves usually exhibit net-like (or pinnate) venation and a broader shape.
In summary, the primary differences between monocots and dicots are in the number of cotyledons, seed structure, root systems, leaf venation, and vascular arrangements in the stem.