Final answer:
A zygote develops into an embryo inside a seed, which contains the necessary structures for the plant's early development. Seed dispersal enables the embryo to reach new areas, and under suitable conditions, seed germination occurs, leading to the growth of a new plant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which a zygote develops into an embryo which is later packaged into a seed is a fascinating aspect of plant biology. If pollination and fertilization occur, a diploid zygote forms within an ovule in the ovary. This zygote then develops into an embryo inside a seed. The seed is a composite structure of the embryo, stored nutrients, and a protective seed coat. The seed allows the plant embryo to survive in a dormant state under various conditions until the environment is suitable for growth.
Seed dispersal plays a crucial role in the life cycle of plants. Once the seed matures, it can be dispersed by various methods, including wind, water, and animals. When conditions are right, such as sufficient moisture and temperature, the seed germination process begins. The germination process involves the radicle (embryo root) breaking through the seed coat, followed by growth of the plant until it eventually becomes an adult sporophyte capable of repeating the cycle.