What is the function of the embryo in plants?

The embryo in plants is a crucial component of seed development and has several important functions, but the most primary role it serves is that of a food reserve. The embryo itself develops from the fertilized ovule and contains the early stages of the plant's future structures, including the cotyledons, which often store nutrients that the seedling relies on during its initial stages of growth.

The food reserves provided by the embryo are vital because they supply the necessary energy and nutrients that the emerging seedling needs to grow until it can establish roots and perform photosynthesis. This reserve typically consists of starches, proteins, and oils, which are mobilized to support growth before the developing plant can access sunlight and soil nutrients.

While the other functions mentioned in the options are related to different parts of the plant or its development, the specialization of the embryo in storing nutrients highlights its role as a fundamental component that supports the survival and establishment of new plants.