📚 What is a Seed?
A seed is like a tiny package that holds everything a plant needs to start growing. It's the result of plant reproduction and contains the embryo (the baby plant), a food supply to nourish the embryo, and a protective outer coat.
🌱 What is a Seedling?
A seedling is what happens when a seed starts to germinate or sprout. It's a young plant that's just beginning to grow, with tiny roots reaching into the soil and a small stem and leaves emerging above the ground.
🔎 Seed vs. Seedling: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature |
Seed |
Seedling |
| Definition |
A plant embryo encased in a protective outer covering. |
A young plant that has sprouted from a seed. |
| Key Components |
Embryo, food supply (endosperm), seed coat. |
Roots, stem, leaves. |
| Stage of Development |
Dormant or resting stage. |
Actively growing. |
| Appearance |
Small, hard, and often dry. |
Green, with visible leaves and roots. |
| Function |
To protect and nourish the embryo until conditions are right for germination. |
To absorb water and nutrients, perform photosynthesis, and grow into a mature plant. |
| Nutrition Source |
Endosperm (stored food). |
Sunlight (through photosynthesis) and nutrients from the soil. |
| Mobility |
Can be dispersed by wind, water, or animals. |
Stationary; anchored in the soil by its roots. |
🔑 Key Takeaways
- 📦 Seeds are like packed lunches for baby plants, waiting for the right time to start growing.
- 🌿 Seedlings are the baby plants themselves, actively growing and getting bigger every day.
- 🌱 A seed ➡️ becomes a seedling when it germinates!