Integument and Testa – Class 12 | Chapter – 2 | Biology Short Notes Series PDF
Integument and Testa: Integument is the exterior or the outermost covering of an ovule. Testa, on the other hand, is the exterior or outermost seed covering. In sexual reproduction, both the gametes fuse, forming a zygote (diploid). Ovary carries the ovule, which in turn is protected by the covering known as integuments. Seeds are developed from the ovule once fertilization occurs while integument develops into the seed coat referred to as testa.
What is Integument?
The integument is the outer covering of the ovule. It is a protective layer. Gymnosperms have a single integument while there are two integuments surrounding the ovule in angiosperms. Structurally, the integument is thin and smooth. It consists of living cells. Hence, it does not contain sclereids, unlike testa.
What is Testa?
Testa is the outermost protective covering of the seed. Thus, it is one of the two seed coats which is brownish in colour. The outer integument gives rise to testa. Hence, it is a post-fertilization structure. Structurally, there are two layers of the testa as endotesta and exotesta. Its main function is to protect the developing embryo from mechanical damages and dehydration.
Differentiate between Integument and Testa
Integument | Testa |
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