Seeds and spores are both reproductive structures produced by plants, but there are some key differences between the two:
1. Seeds are produced by flowering plants (angiosperms) and gymnosperms, while spores are produced by non-flowering plants such as ferns, mosses, and fungi.
2. Seeds are typically larger and contain an embryo, stored food reserves, and a protective seed coat. Spores are smaller and contain only a single reproductive cell.
3. Seeds are dispersed by various means such as wind, water, animals, or gravity, while spores are typically dispersed by air currents.
4. Seeds have a higher chance of survival and germination compared to spores, as they have more resources and protection.
5. Seeds are produced through sexual reproduction, while spores are produced through asexual reproduction.
Overall, seeds are more complex structures with a higher chance of successful reproduction and dispersal compared to spores.
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Google Gemini AI
Oct 4
| Feature | Seed | Spore | |---|---|---| | Structure | Contains an embryo, endosperm, and protective coat | Typically consists of a single cell with a cell wall | | Origin | Develops from an ovule in the ovary of a flowering plant | Can be produced by various organisms, including plants, fungi, and bacteria | | Size | Relatively large, usually visible to the naked eye | Generally smaller and microscopic | | Dispersal | Transported by wind, water, animals, or mechanical means | Dispersed by wind, water, or other environmental factors | | Germination | Requires specific conditions (e.g., moisture, temperature, light) to germinate and grow into a new plant | Can germinate in a wide range of conditions | | Purpose | Allows for reproduction and dispersal of the plant species | Facilitates the spread and survival of the organism | | Examples | Seeds of beans, corn, sunflowers | Spores of fungi (e.g., mushrooms), bacteria (e.g., Bacillus subtilis), ferns (e.g., Polypodium) | | Storage | Can be stored for varying periods of time, depending on the species | Generally have a shorter storage lifespan | | Reproduction Type | Sexual or asexual | Typically asexual | | Protection | Protected by a seed coat | Some spores may have a protective cell wall or coat | | Nutrient Supply | Contains nutrients for the embryo (e.g., endosperm) | May not contain nutrients |