EXERCISE 89 

 THE STRUCTURE OF A SEED AND OF THE YOUNG PLANT 



Materials. Seeds of bean, corn, or peanut ; sawdust, sand, or common soil ; earthen pots or small 

 wooden boxes. 



Directions. Plant seeds of bean, corn, or peanut at least two weeks before it is intended to make 

 this study. If the seeds are planted in a glass jar near the sides, the sides being darkened by use of 

 a black cloth, the growth may be observed during the process. Observe the plantings from time to 

 time and record all facts of interest as the young plants "come up." When the plants have from 

 two to four leaves, make your final study and description. At this time the young stem and 

 roots, as well as the leaves, will have assumed definite form and their characteristic positions. 



Soak seeds in water for about twenty-four hours and examine them to discover how many and 

 what structures found in the seedling may be found also in the seed. Examine the seeds for 

 evidence of stored food. What is the function of this food in the development of the young plant ? 



Additional problems. Plant ten or twelve different kinds of seeds, and as they grow determine the 

 nature and variations in the seed leaves of these plants. 



By use of a very sharp knife remove the seed leaves from some seedlings as soon as the seed leaves 

 appear above the soil, and determine what effect this has upon the young plants. 



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