Plant Growth Stages
1. Germination Phase:
o Imbibition: The seed absorbs water, causing it to swell. This process activates
enzymes like proteases and amylases, which begin breaking down stored food
reserves.
o Auxins (produced at the shoot tip): These hormones play a crucial role in root and
shoot development, guiding the plant’s early growth.
o Gibberellins: Stimulate stem elongation and help in breaking seed dormancy.
o Cytokinins: Delay leaf aging, promoting the expansion and greening of leaves.
2. Softening of the Seed Coat:
As water continues to enter, enzymes are released and the seed coat softens and
begins to crack . This softening process allows the radicle (embryonic root) and
hypocotyl (embryonic stem) to break through, marking the start of visible growth
3. Radicle Emergence:
o The radicle (embryonic root) grows downward, anchoring the plant and starting
nutrient and water absorption. Root hairs increase the root’s surface area, aiding
in effective water and nutrient uptake.
4. Hypocotyl Emergence:
o The hypocotyl (stem below the cotyledons) grows upward, pushing the seed coat
away and initiating exposure to light. The cotyledons unfold and begin
photosynthesis, which is vital for seedling growth.
5. Seedling Establishment:
o True leaves replace the cotyledons, enabling sustained photosynthesis. The
taproot and lateral roots expand, stabilizing the plant and enhancing nutrient
uptake.
1. Lag Phase (Germination Phase):
o This initial phase involves seed germination, where the seed absorbs water
(imbibition) and enzymes activate to break down food reserves.
o Root and shoot structures begin to form, establishing the foundation for future
growth.
2. Log Phase (Acceleration Phase):
o Following germination, the plant enters a phase of rapid growth, marked by
quick cell division and elongation.
o The plant establishes its primary structures (stems, leaves) and begins
photosynthesizing actively, which supports accelerated growth.
3. Linear Phase (Maturation Phase):
o Growth rate stabilizes as the plant matures, and development becomes more
consistent and predictable.
o The plant reaches near-final sizes for its main structures and may begin
reproductive processes, such as budding or flowering.
4. Stationary Phase (Maturity or Senescence Phase):
o In this final stage, the plant reaches full maturity and growth slows considerably.
o Eventually, the plant enters senescence, the aging process where parts of the plant
may die back after reproduction, leading toward the end of its lifecycle.
Each phase represents a distinct stage in the plant’s lifecycle, from initial germination through
rapid growth and maturity to eventual aging and death.
