| The outermost cell layer is the epidermis with a cuticle that covers the entire seed coat. |
| At maturity, the seed coat is primarily a protective structure, although its specific role may be varied and complex. |
| Scarification was accomplished by piercing the seed coat and scraping a small portion of the perisperm with a sterile dissecting needle. |
| These filial organs are enclosed by a maternal seed coat, derived from one or both ovular integuments. |
| In general, the innermost layer of the seed coat of legumes consists of irregularly shaped cells with large intracellular spaces. |
| Thus the three seed components, embryo, endosperm and seed coat, are genetically distinct. |
