A sunflower seed looks asleep,
but it holds a tiny plant,
stored food, and a protective coat inside.
Water softens the seed coat. The seed
swells, its cells wake,
and the shell begins to split.
The first root pushes downward,
anchoring the plant and collecting water and
minerals from the soil.
Next, a pale shoot curves upward,
powered by stored food before green leaves
can make energy from sunlight.
Above the soil, two leaves open. In
sunlight, the young plant begins making sugar
through photosynthesis.
Roots spread, the stem strengthens,
and the sunflower turns toward light. One
quiet seed is ready to make many
more.