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How can seed integuments protect a developing plant embryo?

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A pangolin walks through grass with a blue circle around it and the word endangered written in white across the image. — Integument The pangolin is the only mammal in the world covered in scales.

In biology, the integuments of an ovule develop into a protective seed coat, or testa, which serves as a critical barrier for the developing embryo. This structure protects the embryo in several ways:123

Physical and Biological Defense: The seed coat is often hard and stony, guarding the embryo against mechanical damage, biological degradation, and environmental extremes. When enclosed within the ovary, seeds receive additional protection from the elements and potential predators.13
Regulation of Dormancy: The seed coat plays a vital role in maintaining dormancy by physically restricting the expansion of the embryo, blocking the intake of water, or impeding the exchange of gases like oxygen.43
Chemical Inhibition: Some seed coats contain chemical inhibitors, such as phenols, which can suppress germination. These inhibitors may protect the embryo by preventing premature germination until environmental conditions are favorable, or by screening out oxygen to maintain a state of low metabolic activity.53

These protective mechanisms ensure that the embryo remains viable until conditions are appropriate for successful germination and growth.35