Seminification is a term often used in botany and refers to the process of the formation of seeds in plants. It encompasses all the physiological and developmental changes a plant undergoes to produce mature seeds that are capable of germinating and giving rise to new plants.
During seminification, an array of intricate events takes place within the plant's reproductive structures, such as flowers. The process usually starts with pollination, where pollen grains are transferred from the male part of the flower (anther) to the female part (stigma) either by wind, water, animals, or insects. After successful pollination, fertilization occurs, where the male gametes (sperm cells) combine with the female gametes (egg cells) to form a zygote.
Following fertilization, the ovules, the female reproductive structures, within the flower begin to transform into seeds. This transformation involves the development and maturation of the fertilized ovule, which leads to the formation of an embryo encased within a protective seed coat. The embryo will eventually develop into a fully grown new plant when provided with the necessary conditions for germination.
Throughout seminification, different physiological and biochemical processes occur, including cell division, differentiation, and the accumulation and storage of nutrients, among others. These processes collectively contribute to the successful transformation of an unfertilized ovule into a mature seed, equipped with all the resources and structures essential for its future growth and survival.
