Question

What happens in the water absorption stage of germination?

Answer 1

Seed germination:

1. It is the process through which a seed develops and matures into a new plant.
2. Seed germination is the process by which an embryo develops from a seed to a seedling under favourable conditions.

Water absorption stage of germination:

1. Seeds begin to absorb water at the initial stage of germination, a process known as “imbibition.”
2. The seed covering softens as it absorbs water, and the seed then begins to metabolise as the water stimulates the production of gibberellin.
3. Gibberellin stimulates the manufacture of amylase, which converts starch to maltose.
4. Maltose is either hydrolyzed (to glucose) for energy or polymerised (to cellulose) for the creation of cell walls.
5. This energy and cellular building components are employed to stimulate cell division and shoot growth.
6. During the hydration phase, the seed coat acts as a limiting factor. Its rupture produces an increase in water absorption.
7. Water then enters the seed through the hilum and micropylar pore.
8. Water absorption is often quick at first, but gradually and progressively declines.