Germination

seed germination

By: Nidhi and Ankita

Time for a video

https://youtu.be/TE6xptjgNR0

Germination of seed

What is Germination

Germination can be defined as the growth of a seed into a young plant or a seedling.

A common example of seed germination is the sprouting of a seedling from a seed like in channa dal.

Conditions Necessary for Seed Germination

• Water: It is extremely necessary for the germination of seeds. Some seeds are extremely dry and need to take a considerable amount of water. its plays an important role in seed germination.

• Oxygen: It is an important and essential source of energy required for seed growth. 

• Temperature: For a seed to germinate, it requires a moderate temperature of around 25-30°C. Quite obviously different seeds require different optimum temperatures.

• Light or darkness: This can act as an environmental trigger. Many seeds do not germinate until sunlight falls on them.

Process of Germination

• During the beginning stage of the germination, the seeds take up water rapidly and this results in swelling and softening of the seed coat at an optimum temperature. It starts the growth process by activation of enzymes.

• Seeds wait to germinate until these needs are met: water, correct temperature (warmth) and a good location (such as in soil).

•  During its early stages of growth, the seedling relies upon the food supplies stored with it in the seed until it is large enough for its own leaves to begin making food through photosynthesis.

• 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.

In the final stage of seed germination, the cell of the seeds become metabolically active, elongate and divide to give rise to the seedling.