Main Difference – Fruit vs Seed
Both fruit and seeds are important biological plant parts which are derived during the process of pollination. They are two of the most commonly consumed food in the world and sometimes seeds are considered as staple foods. The main difference between fruit and seed is their formation. After the fertilization process, the ovule of the flower becomes the seed, and the ovary becomes the fruit. Fruit and seed have different sensory and nutritional properties, and this article explores the differences between fruit and seed.
What is Fruit
Fruits contribute to a significant proportion of the world’s agricultural production, and some fruits have gained huge economic, cultural and symbolic meanings. There are three types of fruits such as simple fruits, aggregate fruits, and multiple fruits. Although single fruits only comprise of a single ovary, it may have one or more seeds. They may be fleshy or dry, and berry is a very good example of a single fruit. Aggregate fruits are originated from a single compound flower which contains many ovaries. Blackberry is a good example of aggregate fruits. Multiple fruits are originated from multiple flowers with attached ovaries.
Generally, the edible portion of the fruit is the pericarp. The pericarp of the fruit has 3 layers including the exocarp or the peel, mesocarp and the endocarp or the pith. Exocarp is the outermost layer of the pericarp. The mesocarp is the fleshy middle layer, and it can be found between the exocarp and the endocarp. Endocarp is the innermost layer of the pericarp which surrounds the seeds.
What is Seed
Seeds develop in the angiosperms and gymnosperms groups of plants. However, these two groups of plants will produce two types of seeds known as “enclosed seeds” and “naked seeds” respectively. Angiosperm seeds are originated from a hard or fleshy structure known as a fruit which also encloses the seeds. However, in gymnosperms, there is no any specific biological structure developed to enclose the seeds and it is known as a naked seed.
After pollination, the ovule of the flower will develop into the seed and the two integuments of the ovule convert into the two seed coats. The outer seed coat is known as the testa, and the inner seed coat is known as the tegmen. Some seeds comprise of only one seed coat. The stalk of the seed is developed from the funicle of the flower. Although Nucellus is normally being used up completely, in some seeds, it may remain as a thin layer. Most of these seeds are edible and considered as the staple foods in many parts of the world. It is the major reproduction part of the plant hence it is biologically very much important.
Difference Between Fruit and Seed
Fruit and seed may have substantially different properties and applications. These differences may include,
Biological Part of the Plant
After the fertilization, the ovary converts into the fruit.
After the fertilization, the ovule converts into the seed.
Structure
Fruit is a major part of a flowering plant that originates from specific tissues of the flower. The edible outer layer of the fruit is known as pericarp. The pericarp may be classified into three layers from outer to inner, and they are;
– epicarp,
– mesocarp, and
– endocarp.
Some commercially available fruits do not have seeds. Examples are commercial cultivars of papaya, bananas, and pineapples.
Seeds are originated inside the fruits, and a characteristic seed includes two basic parts: an embryo and a seed coat. The endosperm supply nutrients for the embryo in most plants.
Outer Layer
The outer layer of the fruit is known as the exocarp.
The outer layer of the seed is known as the testa.
Role and Functions of Plant Part
Fruit play a vital role in the seed dispersal by attracting the animals.
Seed play a vital role in the reproduction of gymnosperm and angiosperm plants. In addition, seeds are important for the food of the embryo: they are also vital in spreading to a new location and protecting plant or dormancy during unfavorable conditions.
Reproduction
Fruit does not represent reproduction units.
Seed basically are used for reproduction, and it is the product of sexual reproduction of the plant. Seed can germinate and during seed germination, the embryo develops into a seedling.
Ripening Process
Fruits undergo a ripening process and the plant hormone ethylene reasons ripening of numerous types of fruit.
Seeds do not undergo a ripening process.
Classifications
There are different types of fruits available, and they are;
Simple fleshy fruits – examples are berry (redcurrant, gooseberry, tomato, cranberry)
Aggregate fruits – examples are raspberry, bramble fruits (such as blackberry), strawberry
Multiple fruit – examples are pineapple, fig, mulberry, Osage-orange, and breadfruit
Seeds are classified into different groups based on the morphology of embryo, amount of endosperm and the position of the embryo relative to the endosperm.
Uses
Fruit are used for following applications:
Eaten fresh – Fresh fleshy fruits such as papaya, apple, peach, pineapple, pear, kiwifruit, banana, watermelon and mango are eaten in fresh form.
Used for jams, marmalade, and other preserves production
Used for salad preparation
Used to manufacture foods like cookies, muffins, yogurt, ice cream, cakes
Used to make beverages, such as fruit juices (orange juice, grape juice, apple juice, etc.) or alcoholic beverages, such as fruit beer, wine, or brandy
Apples are used to make vinegar
Fruit Basket and Fruit Bouquet are also used for gift giving or as a garnish
Seed are used for following applications:
Seeds of cereals, legumes and nuts are consumed as boiled or cooked form as a staple diet.
Used to produce cooking oils
Used to produce starch and flour
Germinated seedlings are also used for salad production and garnish
Self-life
Fruits contain a high amount of moisture compared to seeds, and its shelf life is comparatively low.
Seeds contain a low amount of moisture compared to seeds, and its shelf life is comparatively high.
Although the seed can produce a new plant without the fruit, the fruit cannot produce a new plant without the seeds. This is mainly due to the fact that embryo is originated inside the seed, and it is the one that gives rise to a new plant. In addition to that both fruit and seed are the world’s more favored foods. Thus, they are the most important source of nutrients in a majority of countries.
References:
Mauseth, J. D. (2003). Botany: an introduction to plant biology. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. p. 258.
McGee, (2004). On Food and Cooking. Chapter 6: A Survey of Common Vegetables. ISBN 978-0-684-80001-1.
Rost, Thomas L., Weier, T. Elliot, and Weier, Thomas Elliot (1979). Botany: a brief introduction to plant biology. New York: Wiley. p. 319.
Stern, K. R. (1991). Introductory Plant Biology (5th ed.). Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown Publishers. p. 131.
Image Courtesy:
“Culinary fruits cropped top view”. (CC BY 3.0) via Wikipedia
“Bixa orellana fruit open” by Leonardo Ré-Jorge – Own work. (GFDL) via Commons
