LIFE CYCLE OF FLOWERING PLANTS 7 
stages of development. The tiny Corn plant, called embryo or 
germ, which we find in the Corn kernel, does not look much like 
the plant that bears tassel and ears. From the embryo to the 
flower and seed stage, many things take place. The series of 
events which take place in the development of the embryo to a 
mature plant constitutes the life cycle of a plant. Starting from 
Fic. 1. — Life cycle as illustrated by the Corn plant. a, mature kernel; 
b, germination; next, seedling; d, mature plant composed of roots, stems, 
leaves, and flowers, all of which are composed of tissues having special func- 
tions to perform; e, the two kinds of flowers with pollination indicated; 
f, fertilization indicated by the two globular bodies, sperm and egg, on the 
inside of the ovary or portion that develops into the kernel. After ferti- 
lization the ovary develops into another kernel and thus the life cycle is 
completed. 
the seed, this series of events consists of germination, develop- 
ment of seedling with its different organs and tissues, develop- 
ment of root, stem bud, and leaf structures of the more mature 
plant, development of flowers, pollination and fertilization, and 
development of other kernels. The life cycle of any Flowering 
Plant is similar to that of the Corn. Thus it is seen that the life 
