A seed coat is the outer protective layer of a seed that surrounds the embryo. It serves several important functions: it protects the embryo from physical damage, disease, and dehydration. Additionally, the seed coat plays a role in regulating the exchange of gases and water between the embryo and its environment, ensuring that the embryo has the necessary conditions for growth when it begins to germinate. Understanding the role of the seed coat is crucial in botany and plant biology, as it is essential for the survival and development of the plant.