The progenitor of a mature seed is the plant embryo. An embryo is the developing tissue of a plant that contains progenitor cells for the plant leaves, root and the stem. The embryo is formed by the process of embryogenesis. Below are some important points regarding embryogenesis.
The embryo is a multicellular stage in the life cycle of a plant or animal prior to the formation of an independent individual.
In embryogenesis, the zygote undergoes repeated cell divisions through mitosis (cleavage). The divisions help in the growth of the embryo.
Cells undergo differentiation attaining specific shape, size and function. Cell differentiation occurs at specific locations resulting in the production of different tissues, organs and organ systems.
The development of different external and internal structures is called morphogenesis.
Embryo formation is present in all plant and animal groups, except algae.
In flowering plants, the zygote develops into an embryo. The food for the development of an embryo comes from a special tissue known as endosperm.
Ultimately, the fertilized ovule matures into a seed. Inside the mature seed is the progenitor of the next generation, the embryo.