Plant Science
Topic: Germination
Objectives:
1) What is germination?
2) Differentiate between angiosperm and gymnosperm?
3) Differentiate between a monocotyledonous seed and
a dicotyledons seed.
4) Draw and label the parts of a seed.
5) List the factors that increase or decrease the rate of
germination.
6) Watch the video and listen attentively.
https://youtu.be/0YzXToyEzBU
Happy Hunting!
In simple words, germination can be defined as the growth of a
seed into a young plant or a seedling.
What is Seed Germination?
Seed germination may be defined as the fundamental process by
which different plant species grow from a single seed into a plant.
This process influences both crop yield and quality.
A common example of seed germination is the sprouting of a
seedling from a seed of an angiosperm or gymnosperm.
The Process of Seed Germination
The complete process of seed germination is carried out in the
following steps:
During the beginning stage of germination, the seeds take
up water rapidly and this results in swelling and softening of
the seed coat at an optimum temperature.
By rupturing of the seed coat, radicle emerges to form a
primary root. The seed starts absorbing underground water.
After the emerging of the radicle and the plumule, shoot
starts growing upwards.
Parts of a Seed.
https://youtu.be/0YzXToyEzBU
Conditions Necessary for Seed Germination
Here are some important requirements which are essential for a
seed to germinate into a seedling and to a plant.
Water: It is extremely necessary for the germination of seeds.
Some seeds are extremely dry and need to take a considerable
amount of water, relative to the dry weight of the seed. Water
plays an important role in seed germination. It helps by providing
necessary hydration for the vital activities of protoplasm, provides
dissolved oxygen for the growing embryo, softens the seed coats
and increases the seed permeability. It also helps in the rupturing
of seed and also converts the insoluble food into soluble form for
its translocation to the embryo.
Oxygen: It is an important and essential source of energy
required for seed growth. It is required by the germinating seed
for metabolism and is used as a part of aerobic respiration until
it manages to grow green leaves of its own. Oxygen can be found
in the pores of soil particles, but if the seed is buried too deep it
will be deprived of this oxygen.
Temperature: For a seed to germinate, it requires a moderate
temperature of around 25-30°C. Quite obviously different seeds
require different optimum temperatures. There are some seeds
which require special requirements either lower or higher
temperature between 5 to 40°C.
Light or darkness: This can act as an environmental trigger. Many
seeds do not germinate until sunlight falls on them.
The process of seed germination triggers under the above
mentioned favourable conditions. The seeds undergo rapid
expansion and growth of the embryo and subsequently rupturing
the covering layers and emergence of the radicle. This radicle
emergence is considered the completion of germination.
Factors Affecting Seed Germination
There are some major factors that affect seed germination. These
include:
External Factors
1. Water: The poor or additional supply of water affects seed
germination.
2. Temperature: This affects the growth rate as well as the
metabolism of the seed.
3. Oxygen: Germinating seeds respire vigorously and release
the energy required for their growth. Therefore, deficiency of
oxygen affects seed germination.
In certain cases, a temperature below the moderate level slows
down seed germination and promotes fungal growth. In some
cases, germination stops at the temperature above the moderate
level.
Internal Factors
Seed Dormancy
This is a condition in which the seeds are prevented from
germinating even under favourable conditions.
During seed dormancy:
1. The seed coat, which is resistant to water and gases,
restricts water-uptake and oxygen exchange.
2. The seeds with undeveloped or immature embryo do not
germinate.
3. Certain seeds contain plant growth regulators, which inhibit
seed germination.
4. Some seeds require more time for their germination.
“Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons.
Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is
possible.”
Happy hunting, Super Sevens!
