Question

Why are seeds so hard and durable?

Answer 1

In angiosperms or the seed producing plants, the male and female gamete unite to form the zygote, which forms the embryo. The embryo after many stages of cell division and cell differentiation ultimately transforms into a new plant. So, for the propagation of the generation, the embryo of angiosperms needs to be protected against the harsh environment. This is done by the seed, which encloses the embryo. Therefore, seeds usually have a seed coat which is a hard outer covering and protects the seed from harsh environmental conditions and mechanical damage. The plumule and the radicle are formed once the seeds germinate.