The center of the cell is seen to be so far from the surface that it can no longer draw in the nutrition from without.

The bulk has outrun the absorbing surface.
"The alternative is very sharp," says the scientist, "the cell must divide or die." Only by losing its life and becoming two cells can it save its life.
Later on, when each of the two cells has grown again to the size of the original one, the same peril threatens them and they too must divide or die.

And when through this law of saving life by losing it nature has made sure the basis for bud and bird, for beast and man, then the principle of sacrifice goes on to secure beauty of the individual plant or animal and perpetuity for the species.

In the center of each grain of wheat there is a golden spot that gives a yellow cast to the fine flour.

That spot is called the germ.