The other prominent structure is the embryo. You can see the plumule or embryonic leaves, the epicotyl or upper shoot plus plumule, and the hypocotyl-radicle axis. Locate the 2 apical meristems. Now examine an imbibed corn grain. This kernal is actually the entire fruit.
Corn is a caryopsis or grain which fuses the ovary wall directly to the ovule during development.
Therefore your examination of the exterior will not reveal the presence of a hilum or a micropyle. The embryo lies to one side with a large modified cotyledon facing the endosperm. Determine what the food reserve is by adding a drop of I 2 KI to the endosperm. Complete your examination of seeds by observing these same structures in the Ricinus and Zea slides. Use the condensed key hand-out and be sure you see how the fruits are placed into different categories.