Question

Why do you think the zygote is dormant for sometime in a fertilised ovule?

Answer 1

After fertilisation, the zygote develops in the ovule. The integuments of the ovules harden and form the seed coat. The outer integument of the ovule forms the seed coat and the inner integument forms the inner coat. Food materials start getting accumulated in the endosperm. The amount of water gradually decreases; hence, the soft ovule becomes rigid and dry. Gradually, the functional activities inside the ovule stop and the new embryo formed by the zygote reaches a dormant state. This period is called zygote dormancy. This structure surrounded by a seed coat, containing the accumulated food and dormant embryo, is called a seed.