Difference between Dicot and Monocot seeds
Dicot seed
Dicot seeds are the seeds that comprise two embryonic leaves or cotyledons. They are also called dicotyledons. It includes one embryo with an embryo axis and two cotyledons all over it. There are about 20000 seeds of cotyledons. Every angiosperm or flowering plant is categorized in dicots that grow from the ground when the seed germinates. Many dicot seeds are made up of exactly similar parts facing each other and can be split into two equal halves. The shape and size of dicot seeds differ and can be categorized between different species. The endosperm is generally less in dicot and, in certain cases, may not be available.
Examples of dicot seeds are papaya seeds, peas, neem seeds, bitter ground seeds, and many more.
Monocot seed
Monocot seeds are the seeds that comprise one (mono) embryonic leaf or cotyledon. It is also called monocotyledon. There are about 60000 species. The size and shape of the monocot seeds are big because of the existence of a huge endosperm. An endosperm stores a lot of food to help the embryo. Monocot seed is also known as albuminous seeds because of the existence of endosperm. The embryo is the significant part of the seed, which is preserved on the surface by a layer and provided with foods and nutrients by the endosperm.
Examples of monocot seeds are tulip, palm, banana, maize, ginger, onions, and many more.
Comparison between Monocot and Dicot seeds
| Basis | Monocot seeds | Dicot seeds |
| Meaning | Monocot seeds are the seeds that comprise one (mono) embryonic leaf or cotyledon. | Dicot seeds are the seeds that comprise two embryonic leaves or cotyledons. |
| Number of cotyledons | Monocot seeds have one cotyledon. The cotyledons are very thin, small in size, and lacks food material. | Dicot seeds have two cotyledons. The cotyledons are fleshy and reserve food. |
| Cotyledons | The cotyledons are non-photosynthesis and use food from the neighboring endosperm. | The cotyledons are photosynthesis and can make food for the emerging embryo. |
| Endosperm | The endosperm exists, which stores a lot of food for the embryo. | The endosperm is less or not available. |
| Pore | Monocot seeds have one pore. | Dicot seeds have three pores. |
| Flowers parts | The flower parts present in monocot are three. | Parts of the flowers in the dicot are more than three. |
| Leaves | Leaves of monocot have parallel veins. | Leaves of dicot have branched veins. |
| Germination | Seed germination in monocot is hypogeal. | Seed germination in dicot can be hypogeal or epigeal. |
| Root system | Monocots have a fibrous root system. | Dicot has a tap root system. |
| Shape and size | The size and shape of the monocot seeds differ but are less similar to each other and small in size. | The shape and size of the dicot seeds differ but are more similar to each other and large in size. |
| Herbaceous or woody | Monocots are herbaceous. | Dicots are both woody and herbaceous. |
| Example | Garlic, Onion, tulip, palm, banana, orchids, lilies, grass, wheat, corn, etc. | Papaya seeds, peas, neem seeds, bitter ground seeds, pear, etc. |